An Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) test is a quick and non-invasive hearing test that assesses the function of the inner ear, specifically the outer hair cells in the cochlea. It’s often used as part of newborn hearing screenings and can also be useful for other populations at risk of hearing loss.

A soft sound (like a click or tone) is played into the ear canal. Healthy outer hair cells in the cochlea vibrate in response to the sound and produce a faint echo, known as an otoacoustic emission. The OAE test device measures these faint echoes as they travel back through the middle ear and into the ear canal.

The device provides a “pass” or “refer” result, indicating whether the outer hair cells are functioning normally. A “pass” result suggests that the outer hair cells are likely healthy and that there is no significant hearing loss at the frequencies tested, a “refer” result may indicate a problem with the outer hair cells or the pathway through the middle ear, potentially requiring further investigation with other hearing tests.