The standard newborn hearing screening test — quick, painless, and needing no active response from your baby.
Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) testing measures tiny sounds produced by a healthy inner ear (cochlea) in response to a click or tone — a natural echo that a sensitive microphone in the ear canal can detect.
OAE is best known as the newborn hearing screening test, usually performed before hospital discharge, but it's also used at any age as a quick, objective check of inner-ear function.
The test gives a simple "pass" or "refer" result for each ear. A "refer" result is common and doesn't confirm hearing loss on its own — it means a repeat test or further evaluation is recommended.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | A few minutes per ear |
| Preparation | None needed; a quiet room and a calm, settled baby give the most reliable reading |
| What Happens | A soft probe in the ear canal plays clicks and records the cochlea's echo response |
| Who It's For | Newborns, infants, and anyone needing a quick cochlear function check |
OAE is used both as routine newborn screening and as a fast screening tool whenever a quick, objective check of hearing function is needed.
Signs to Watch For
| Other Reasons for Referral
|
Newborn Screening AvailableOAE testing is offered for newborns as part of routine hearing screening. | Quick and PainlessThe whole test takes only a few minutes and causes no distress to your baby. | |
Follow-Up in One PlaceIf further testing is needed, BERA or ASSR can usually be arranged at the same facility. | Experienced With InfantsOur team is used to working gently and efficiently with newborns and young babies. | |
Yes. It is a completely non-invasive, sound-based test with no discomfort, and is a standard part of newborn care.
Not necessarily. A "refer" result is common in the first days of life and is often caused by fluid in the ear canal rather than actual hearing loss. A repeat test, and a BERA if needed, will confirm.
No. OAE is a screening tool that checks cochlear function quickly. A Pure Tone Audiogram or BERA is needed for a complete diagnosis.
Yes. It's a useful quick check at any age, including for monitoring cochlear health during certain medical treatments.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is general and is not a substitute for a consultation with a qualified audiologist or ENT specialist. Test results should always be interpreted by a professional in the context of your full clinical picture. All procedures are performed after clinical assessment and informed consent.
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