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Call Us Today Annandale,VA Office : (703) 349-7333
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Otoacoustic Emission Testing
Otoacoustic emission
testing is a very specialized
test conducted by an
audiologist, usually in
newborn babies and
younger children, although
adults who suspect hearing
loss may have this test
done as well. This type of test looks at how the cilia of the ear
canal conduct sound into the cochlea and inner ear, and uncover
any issues with hearing that are present. When the issues are
discovered in adults, a treatment plan can be put into place such
that no time is lost in preventing further damage to one’s hearing
ability and a person can regain some hearing.
There are three different types of otoacoustic emission testing;
transient, distortion product, and spontaneous. Each type tests
for a slightly different defect in hearing. Light electrical impulses
are conducted into the ear canal and travel the length of the
inner and middle ear, or certain frequencies of sound are used,
and measurements are taken of the ability of the ear to process
these test instruments to determine any loss of hearing ability or
non-existence in the patients.
Website : Affordable-Hearing-Care.com Blog : Hearing-Aids-Annandale-VA
Blog : Hearing-Aids-Reston-VA
Call Us Today Annandale,VA Office : (703) 349-7333
Reston, VA Office : (7030) 349-4746
Some audiologists also use a forth
type of otoacoustic testing;
sustained frequency otoacoustic emissions. Here they look for
sounds emitted in the cochlea in response to a continuous, or
sustained, tone. Your audiologist will be the one performing the
tests and measuring the data gained from the testing to assess
any further need for treatment.
Adults who require this type of testing may have it done while
awake or if they’re uncomfortable about it, under general
anesthesia. It is not necessary that a patient be awake for this
type of testing, as they will not have to vocally respond to any
part of the test. It usually takes about a half hour as long as
there aren’t any barriers in the way.