Term

Where do otoacoustic emissions come from?

Definition

• “OAEs are sounds of cochlear origin, which can be recorded by a microphone fitted in the ear canal.” • Most likely tied to OHC amplification • All mammals have OAEs • OHC electromotility from prestin

Term

DPOAEs

Definition

Distortion Product OAEs (DPOAEs) – • The ear is stimulated by two pure tones (F1 and F2) • Ears with healthy OHCs generate multiple tones at frequencies mathematically related to F1 & F2 • “Distortion” • 2F1-F2 is most commonly recorded in the ear canal

Term

TEOAEs

Definition

Transient Evoked OAEs (TEOAEs) – • The ear is stimulated by a broadband click • Because the stimulus is broadband, it stimulates most of the cochlea from base (high frequencies) to apex (low frequencies) • Waveform measured in the ear canal indicates which frequency-places in the cochlea have normal OHC function Limitation: OAEs are sensitive to ANY abnormality in OHC function Cannot differentiate between mild-profound SNHL