OAE Testing for Detecting Deafness in Newborns

OAE Testing for Detecting Deafness in Newborns

We have three main parts of our ear, which are the Outer ear, Middle ear, and Inner ear. The Otoacoustic Emission (OAE) Test refers to the recording of sound waves that are produced by the inner ear, or cochlea. Cochlear sounds help newborn babies evaluate the function of hair cells and other structures that affect hearing. The OAE hearing test detects hearing loss in infants and children who are not able to respond to behavioural hearing tests due to their age.

What are Otoacoustic Emissions Tests?

The inner ear makes sound waves in response to sound, which are known as Otoacoustic Emissions. The hair cells present in the inner ear vibrate in response to sound. These vibrations produce nearly inaudible sounds that echo in the middle ear. The OAE Test measures these sound emissions in newborns. Children with normal hearing produce OAEs, but if their hearing exceeds 25 to 30 decibels, no OAEs will be produced, which can be a sign of hearing loss in them. The otoacoustic emission test (OAE) also determines whether your child’s outer or middle ear has blockage. If there is a blockage, no sound will reach the inner ear of the child, which means there will be no vibration or sound coming back.

There are two types of Otoacoustic Emissions.

  1. Spontaneous Otoacoustic Emissions or SOAEs– Can occur in the absence of external emission.
  2. Evoked otoacoustic emissions, or EOAEs– Usually require an evoking stimulus.

How is the Test Performed?

The OAE hearing test for newborns is performed with the help of a portable, handheld screening unit. In the ear canal of a child, a small probe is placed, which delivers low-volume sound stimulation into the ear. The cochlea responds by releasing otoacoustic emissions that return through the middle ear to the ear canal, where they are then analysed by the screening unit. The results of this hearing test are shown on the screening unit after 30 seconds as a “pass” or a “refer.”

The inner ear specifically produces four types of sounds:

  1. Spontaneous Acoustic Emissions: The cochlea produces these sounds spontaneously.
  2. Transient Optoacoustic Emissions: these are produced in response to another short-duration sound.
  3. Distortion-Produced Optoacoustic Emissions: these are produced when two tonnes of different frequencies are played simultaneously.
  4. Sustained-Frequency Optoacoustic Emissions: these are generated in response to a continuous tone.

Why Is It Important to Have Your Child’s OAE Tested?

The Otoacoustic Emission (OAE) test helps detect sensorineural hearing loss occurring in the cochlea. The otoacoustic emission produced indicates whether or not the child’s cochlea is functioning properly. It is a simple, quick, and painless test that can be the best hearing test for a newborn. The OAE test for newborns can be done after the child’s birth and before leaving the hospital. The test is used to estimate hearing sensitivity and test for functional hearing loss in children. The Otoacoustic Emission (OAE) test helps detect sensorineural hearing loss occurring in the cochlea. The early detection of hearing loss in children by the OAE Test provides an opportunity for them to develop better hearing for a brighter future.

What are the Possible Outcomes of an OAE Test?

The Otoacoustic Emission Test results can be present or absent.

  • The presence of OAEs is consistent with hearing that is normal or nearly normal.
  • The absence of OAEs could indicate hearing problems. It can be hearing loss, fluid or infection in the middle ear, a malformed inner ear, or wax in the ear.

The main reasons for an absence of otoacoustic emission are as follows:

  • Abnormal middle ear pressure
  • Swimmer’s ear
  • Cysts in certain ear parts or the ear canal
  • Ear drum injury
  • Abnormal middle ear bone growth (otosclerosis)

Conclusion

Babies begin to learn from the moment they are born. Hearing is one of the ways children learn; if they have problems with hearing, they will struggle to develop language and communication skills. According to studies, children with hearing loss who receive proper early intervention services by the age of 6 months show normal language and communication development. The OAE hearing test in newborns is a simple, quick (about 5 to 10 minutes), and painless test that can be done while the baby is sleeping or lying down. For the brighter future of children, the otoacoustic emission (OAE) test provides them with better hearing.