Commentary, J Otol Rhinol Vol: 12 Issue: 3

Significance of Otoacoustic Emissions in Auditory Assessment

Pim Kleine^*

¹Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherland

*Corresponding Author: Pim Kleine,
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherland
E-mail: kleinepim@gmail.com

Received date: 21 April, 2023, Manuscript No. JOR-23-102564;

Editor assigned date: 24 April, 2023, PreQC No. JOR-23-102564 (PQ);

Reviewed date: 08 May, 2023, QC No. JOR-23-102564;

Revised date: 15 May, 2023, Manuscript No. JOR-23-102564 (R);

Published date: 22 May, 2023, DOI: 10.4172/2324-8785.100064

Citation: Kleine P (2023) Significance of Otoacoustic Emissions in Auditory Assessment. J Otol Rhinol 12:3.

Description

Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs) are sounds that are generated by the inner ear, specifically the cochlea. These sounds can be measured and analyzed to provide valuable information about the functioning of the auditory system. OAEs are widely used in clinical audiology and have various applications in both diagnostic and research settings. In this response, we will delve into otoacoustic emissions in detail, discussing their characteristics, types, measurement techniques, clinical significance, and potential applications.

Otoacoustic emissions are low-intensity sounds produced by the cochlea in response to acoustic stimulation. When sound enters the ear, it travels through the outer ear and middle ear before reaching the cochlea, which is the sensory organ responsible for hearing. Within the cochlea, specialized cells called Outer Hair Cells (OHCs) play an important role in amplifying and fine-tuning the auditory signals. The active mechanisms of OHCs are responsible for generating otoacoustic emissions.

Types of otoacoustic emissions

The two main types of otoacoustic emissions are Spontaneous Otoacoustic Emissions (SOAEs) and Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions (EOAEs). SOAEs are sounds that occur without any external stimulation and are present in a significant percentage of individuals with normal hearing. These emissions can vary in intensity, frequency, and occurrence rate among different individuals. On the other hand, EOAEs are generated in response to specific auditory stimuli, such as clicks or tone bursts. EOAEs can be further categorized into Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions (TEOAEs) and Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAEs).

TEOAEs are brief sounds emitted by the cochlea following a transient acoustic stimulus. The stimulus is usually a click or a brief tone burst presented to the ear. The emissions are recorded using a sensitive microphone placed in the ear canal. TEOAEs provide information about the integrity of the cochlear outer hair cells and are commonly used in newborn hearing screening programs.

DPOAEs are generated by simultaneously presenting two pure tones of different frequencies to the ear. The interaction between thesetwo tones results in a distortion product, which is emitted by the cochlea. DPOAEs can provide information about the specific frequency regions and functioning of the cochlea. They are often used in diagnostic audiology to assess hearing thresholds and monitor changes in the auditory system.

Measurement techniques for otoacoustic emissions

The measurement of OAEs is typically performed using a specialized device called an otoacoustic emissions system. The system consists of a probe containing a microphone and a speaker, which is inserted into the ear canal. The microphone picks up the emissions produced by the cochlea, while the speaker delivers the acoustic stimuli. The recorded emissions are then analyzed to extract relevant parameters, such as their presence, amplitude, frequency, and signalto- noise ratio.

Otoacoustic emissions have significant clinical implications. In newborn hearing screening programs, TEOAEs are often used as a quick and non-invasive method to assess the functionality of the cochlea. If emissions are absent or weak, it may indicate a potential hearing loss in the newborn, warranting further evaluation. OAEs are also used in pediatric audiology to assess the auditory system in children who may have difficulty undergoing traditional hearing tests.

In addition to their diagnostic applications, otoacoustic emissions can provide valuable insights into various aspects of auditory physiology and pathologies. They are used in research settings to investigate topics such as the development of the auditory system, effects of noise exposure on hearing, and the impact of certain medications on cochlear function. OAEs can also be used to monitor changes in the auditory system over time, assess the effectiveness of interventions, and guide rehabilitation strategies.

However, it is important to note that while OAEs are useful in assessing the functionality of the cochlea and have various clinical applications, they do have limitations. OAEs primarily provide information about the outer hair cells of the cochlea and may not detect certain types of hearing loss, particularly those caused by damage to the inner hair cells or higher auditory pathways. Therefore, they are often used in conjunction with other tests, such as pure-tone audiometry and Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR), to obtain a comprehensive evaluation of the auditory system.

Moreover, OAEs can be affected by various factors that may influence their reliability and interpretation. These factors include the presence of middle ear fluid, excessive earwax, noise in the testing environment, and certain medications that can affect the functioning of the cochlea. Therefore, careful consideration of these factors is necessary when interpreting OAE results. OAEs are measured using specialized equipment and have clinical applications in newborn hearing screening, pediatric audiology, and research settings. While OAEs provide valuable information about cochlear function, they have limitations and should be interpreted in conjunction with other tests for a comprehensive assessment of the auditory system.