Otoacoustic Emission (OAE) Testing

OtoAcoustic Emission (OAE) tests objectively assess hearing capability through the measurement of echoes after sound is introduced from a soft earpiece. Sound vibrations are sent through a patient's ear canal and middle ear to the outer hair cells of the cochlea (organ of hearing). If the middle ear is clear of fluid and infection and the cochlea is functioning properly, the outer hair cells will echo the sound back.

OAE tests are used:

• As part of universal newborn hearing screenings.
• At Weill Cornell Medicine pediatric offices.
• As part of the pediatric test battery.
• To monitor the effect of certain medications on hearing.