OAE Hearing Screening (Otoacoustic Emissions)

The OAE Hearing Screening (Otoacoustic Emissions Test) is a quick, safe, and non-invasive hearing test used to check how well the inner ear (cochlea) and outer hair cells respond to sound. It is most commonly used for newborn hearing screening, infants, toddlers, and patients who cannot respond to routine hearing tests. The test measures tiny sound echoes produced by the inner ear when it receives sound stimulation, helping specialists detect early hearing loss accurately.

At our audiology and hearing care center, OAE screening is performed using advanced digital equipment by experienced audiologists. It is highly effective for identifying congenital hearing loss, cochlear dysfunction, delayed speech due to hearing issues, and hearing monitoring in high-risk babies. Early diagnosis through OAE plays a major role in improving speech and language outcomes.

 

How the OAE Test Works

During the procedure, a small soft probe is gently placed inside the ear canal. The probe sends clicking sounds into the ear and records the echo response generated by the cochlea. If the inner ear hair cells are functioning normally, the machine records a clear response.

The test is painless, non-invasive, and usually completed within 2–5 minutes per ear, making it ideal for newborns and sleeping babies.

Benefits of OAE Hearing Screening

  • Early hearing loss detection
  • Ideal for newborns and infants
  • Quick and painless test
  • No active response required
  • Detects cochlear outer hair cell issues
  • Helps in speech delay diagnosis
  • Supports early intervention planning

FAQ – OAE Hearing Screening

OAE is a hearing screening test that checks whether the inner ear is producing normal sound echoes in response to sound.

Yes, the OAE test is completely safe, painless, and specially designed for newborns and infants.

The test usually takes 2 to 5 minutes per ear, depending on the baby’s movement and noise level.

A failed screening does not always mean hearing loss. Doctors usually recommend a repeat OAE or BERA/ABR test for confirmation.

OAE is an excellent screening tool for early detection, but diagnostic confirmation may require BERA/ABR.