Otoacoustic emissions
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equipment
treatment
Types of otoacoustic emissions
The OtoRead device is used for diagnostics. Its probe contains a frequency generator and a sensitive microphone that picks up the sound of vibrations of the hair cells of the cochlea. Since the emission results from the influence of equipment, it is called induced.
The OAE test in newborns allows you to determine the presence or absence of hearing or hearing loss. For adults, it is performed as a primary diagnosis for severe hearing loss.
During diagnostics, the analyzer system registers
three types of vibrations:
- Spontaneous otoacoustic emissions It occurs without a stimulus, spontaneously. More often it is registered in girls, and in 30% of adults it is completely absent
- Delayed issue This is a natural response of a healthy hearing aid to a broadband click.
- Otoacoustic response at distortion frequency Otorid is capable of generating waves in the range from 1.5 to 12 kHz, which makes it possible to determine the response to various influences
Carrying out otoacoustic emissions
This diagnostic option is attractive for its simplicity, comfort and objectivity. The OtoRead otoacoustic emission recording system is used to record the response of the hearing aid. Externally, it is a small device with an earphone that is inserted into the ear and hermetically closes its passage. This is where the research process begins:
- The earpiece probe generates sound
- His microphone picks up the response vibrations of the hair cells of the cochlea
- All information is transmitted to the monitor and recorded in the form of graphs
- The doctor analyzes them and gives a conclusion
The study itself takes only a couple of minutes, but for diagnostic accuracy it is important to comply with several criteria:
- Absolute silence in the room. Any extraneous sounds cause a reaction from the patient’s hearing aid, which may somewhat distort the information
- A newborn baby is unable to be quiet or motionless. Therefore, small patients are diagnosed in their sleep
- The earphone insert is selected in accordance with the diameter of the ear canal, because the microphone is able to pick up vibrations only in a hermetically sealed space
Before the procedure, the patient's outer ear must be examined. The presence of wax plugs and foreign objects in it can in itself cause hearing loss.
Advantages of the technique
The price of otoacoustic emission is more than affordable, which is explained by the simplicity and speed of its implementation. The patient may note other advantages of the technique:
- Accuracy. An objective assessment of the response of the hearing aid gives an accurate idea of the state of hearing, and the use of different frequencies of stimulation also makes it possible to determine the degree of hearing loss. This is incomparable with speech techniques and subjective judgments.
- Versatility. It can be done by anyone – newborns and adults.
- Comfort. Just one minute without pain and discomfort.
Otoacoustic emission is a technique that allows you to objectively assess a patient’s hearing and diagnose hearing loss and deafness. At the same time, it does not require significant expenses and lengthy preparation. Make an appointment and get an answer that will dispel all doubts.
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Diagnostic value of otoacoustic emissions
The human ear is a complex biological mechanism consisting of a number of structures, each of which plays its own role in processing and transmitting sound waves:
Hearing loss can occur when any of these structures are disrupted. But the actual occurrence of otoacoustic emissions serves as confirmation of their performance, and hence the presence of hearing in the patient. Therefore, this test is the primary diagnosis of hearing loss. According to the law, otoacoustic emissions in newborns are checked in the maternity hospital as part of screening. Thus, if a child has hearing problems, parents are immediately notified.