Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE)

Under certain circumstances, a traditional behavioral hearing test (responding to tones) does not provide enough information about an individual's hearing and other testing methods must be considered. One non-behavioral test which is often employed is Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) testing. In this procedure, a small tip is placed into the ear to deliver sound into the canal. When the inner ear is functioning normally, it actually emits its own sound, an echo, which is measured by the probe. These emissions or echoes must be present at a certain intensity level at several frequencies to pass the test. OAE testing can indicate to the audiologist whether or not an individual's hearing is adequate for speech comprehension. Although this test is used for patients of all ages, it is especially useful for small children because it usually only takes a few minutes to complete. It has become a widely used tool for newborn hearing screenings in hospitals.

Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)

Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) is another non-behavioral test for determining degree of hearing impairment. For this evaluation, several electrodes are placed on the head and sounds are presented to the patient through earphones. The electrodes measure electrical activity of the brainstem as sound is presented. ABR testing can be used to give more detailed information regarding severity of hearing loss and also can be used to determine the integrity of the auditory pathway from the nerve to the brainstem. Depending upon the type of test being administered, this evaluation can take up to 1 1/2 to 2 hours. ABR's are used to test both adults and children.

Electronystagmography (ENG)

ENG, or Electronystagmography, is an evaluation of the balance system. Patients who report experiencing dizziness or imbalance may be referred by a physician for this testing. This test utilizes electrodes which are placed around the eyes to take the needed measurements. During this testing, the patient will be asked to complete different visual tasks and to move into different positions to see if any dizziness is detected. In the final portion of the testing, dizziness is induced to see if there are any differences between ears. There are a number of medications that can alter the outcome of this test. Therefore, certain medications must be discontinued prior to the evaluation. ENG's are completed in our office and are interpreted by one of our audiologists, and given to the referring physician for review.