The Oto Acoustic Emission (OAE) test is a responsive and precise method of evaluating hearing ability in newborns and infants. In response to a stimulus, the outer hair cells in the cochlea in the inner ear emit a subtle acoustic signal known as the Oto Acoustic Emission (OAE). Doctors use Oto Acoustic Emission (OAE) to accurately assess the state of the inner ear and hearing cells.
if the baby passes the Oto Acoustic Emission (OAE) test and has no risk factors, the doctor will conduct a follow-up hearing screening test at the age of 1-3 years. In the meantime, if the Oto Acoustic Emission (OAE) test reveals that the baby has nerve deafness, the doctor will begin a hearing therapy procedure right away. By the time the infant is six months old, he or she will be fitted with a hearing aid or a cochlear implant.
Who needs an OAE test?
The Oto Acoustic Emission (OAE) test is commonly used in newborns as a means of early detection (screening). This test is more critical for babies who have hearing loss risk factors. Hearing loss in babies can be caused by a variety of factors. A pregnant woman can contract toxoplasma, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex (TORCH) infections during pregnancy, which can damage the fetus in the womb. A history of neurological deafness in the family dating back to birth may also be a risk factor. Doctors can also prescribe OAE tests for newborns due to brain infections or anatomical abnormalities.
Why is (OAE) Test Needed?
Doctors are unable to diagnose hearing defects in newborns manually. As a result, doctors will assess the baby’s hearing using the Oto Acoustic Emission (OAE) test kit. When a baby has a hearing problem, he or she can develop speech and language, cognitive, social, and emotional problems as they grow older.
The first 6 months of a baby’s life are critical for the growth of his or her hearing and speech skills. Hearing loss can be detected as soon as the baby is born, but no later than one month after birth. When the baby is three months old, the doctor will use the detection findings as diagnostic material in a follow-up test.
The Implementation of Oto Acoustic Emission (OAE) Test
The doctor who handles the Oto Acoustic Emission (OAE) test is an ear, nose, throat (ENT) specialist. The ENT specialist will insert a soft-tipped probe into the ear hole during this test. The baby would then be played with a click sound to gauge his or her reaction to the stimulation of the inner ear’s outer fur. The answer will be recorded by the OAE machine, and the findings will be evaluated by the testing doctor to see whether there is any hearing loss. The Oto Acoustic Emission (OAE) test is a fast and painless procedure. The operation normally takes 20-30 seconds when the baby is quiet. However, if the baby is moving a lot, the test can take longer than 5 minutes.
The Follow Up of the Oto Acoustic Emission (OAE) Review
The Oto Acoustic Emission (OAE) test is a way for infants to be screened early. The Brain Evoked Response Auditory (BERA) Method is another choice. Following these two exams, babies aged 3 months may have additional tests (if necessary), such as an otoscope to examine the outer ear, a tympanometry test to check the middle ear, and an Oto Acoustic Emission (OAE) reexamination for ear nerve analysis and a Brain Evoked Auditory Response for the auditory central nerve in the brain.
If the outcomes of all of these tests are normal, the baby’s speech and hearing function should be monitored every 3-6 months before the child reaches the age of three. Meanwhile, if the results of the test are irregular, the doctor will suggest that you have your BERA tone burst or auditory steady-state response checked, as well as high frequency tympanometry. If neurological deafness is discovered, the child can begin hearing therapy as soon as possible, with hearing aids or cochlear implants being implanted at the earliest possible age of 6 months.
Oto Acoustic Emission (OAE) Test at Primaya Hospital
As required, newborns may undergo an Oto Acoustic Emission (OAE) test at Primaya Hospital. Primaya Hospital has a highly skilled medical staff that is backed up by cutting-edge technology. Consult ENT specialists at Primaya Hospital about your child’s hearing issues. They are happy to help and are completely dedicated to the future development of children.
