An otoacoustic emissions (OAE) testing is a computerized hearing screening test.
Sound is sent into the ear through a small earplug. When the inner ear hears a sound, it produces an extremely soft "echo." This sound then travels back to the small earplug and is measured.
Possible reasons a person does not pass this screening include; middle ear fluid, an ear canal blocked with debris, or a possible hearing loss.
The OAE test requires you to be very quiet while testing. Noise can keep the computer from measuring the very small echoes.
The test should take 15 minutes. However, in the case of a baby making noise, the test may take longer. Every effort will be made to complete the test that day. When babies have the test, it is a good idea to have the baby fed prior to the test and to come around their naptime.
You will not experience any discomfort during or after the test.
During the test, you will hear soft clicking through the earplug. If you refer on the hearing test, additional testing will be required.
These results show your hearing at the time of the test. With small children with recurrent ear infections, serious illness, or a family history of hearing loss may develop hearing loss later in life.
If at any time you have concerns about your child's hearing or speech and language development, consult with their pediatrician to schedule a hearing test.