Otoacoustic Emissions

Otoacoustic Emissions is an objective assessment which tests the integrity of the outer hair cells in the cochlea (inner ear). The benefit of this type of assessment is that no co-operation from the patient is required.

During the examination, our audiologist will insert a soft-tipped probe into the ear canal, where clicks will be played. The outer hair cells in the inner ear will vibrate in response to these noises, in turn sending inaudible echoes back to the probe. These responses will be recorded to ultimately rule out if a hearing loss has occurred. Quick and painless, the procedure is usually over within 20 to 30 seconds.