Otoacoustic emission test

The otoacoustic emission test is a screening hearing test , which assesses the patient’s response (the response of the patient’s cochlear auditory cells) to a pure tone impulse or a click emitted from a special probe. The test is simple and non-invasive, and allows to detect conducive hearing loss of cochlear origin.

The otoacoustic emission test is an objective test..This means that it does not require active cooperation on the patient’s part, so it can be carried out at any age: in children, teenagers and adults.However, during the test, the patient should not be speaking, moving or crying (when the test is carried out in small children, they should be calm). Complete silence is required in the testing room.

How is the test performed ?

It involves placing a measuring probe in the patient's ear. The probe consists of a small speaker that emits sounds and a small but very sensitive microphone that records otoacoustic emissions. Gentle high and low tones are applied into the ear. When the sound stimulus originating from the speaker makes the acoustic cells move, the cells produce a secondary sound as a result of that moment, which is then captured by the microphone.

Otoacoustic emission test is carried out for the right and left ear separately. The test is carried out in a sound-proof room.

When should the hearing test be carried out in children?

The otoacoustic emission test in children is used for an initial assessment of normal hearing or to indicate the need for an extended evaluation if the test result is abnormal. The test is also helpful in children who have an abnormal result of a screening hearing test at birth or a result that requires follow-up. In this situation the otoacoustic emission test should be performed by the age of 3 months.

When should the hearing test be carried out in adults?

The otoacoustic emission test in adults is indicated for the evaluation of tinnitus, vertigo and sudden functional deafness.

The patient should be in good health (without any infection) at the time of the test, as the result may be "falsely" incorrect if the patient has a cold (runny nose, cough, fever). No drops, oils, etc. should be applied into the ear before the test.