What Is a Hearing Test?
Why Should You Get Your Hearing Tested?
Difficulty Hearing
Speech Understanding
Frequently Increasing Volume
Difficulty Hearing Certain Sounds
Children's Hearing Concerns
Changes in Hearing
Types of Hearing Tests
OAE – Otoacoustic Emissions
- Measures sensory outer hair cell activity
- Requires zero manual user response
- Highly reliable screening for infants
PTA – Pure Tone Audiometry
- Determines your hearing threshold
- Tests a range of pitch and volume
- Standard clinical baseline report
Impedance Audiometry
- Evaluates overall middle ear system
- Measures acoustic reflex pathways
- Helps locate fluid or pressure blocks
OAE Hearing Test
A Simple Way to Screen Your Baby's Hearing
Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) testing is a quick, painless and non-invasive hearing screening test that measures responses from the cochlea's outer hair cells. It is commonly used in newborn hearing screening.
- Quick Screening
- Painless Procedure
- Early Hearing Assessment
Why Is an OAE Test Important?
Early identification of hearing concerns can make a meaningful difference in a child's development.
Newborn Hearing Screening
OAE testing is a standard part of newborn hearing screening programmes, helping identify possible hearing concerns early in life.
Early Identification
Identifying possible hearing concerns early allows families and healthcare professionals to explore appropriate next steps in a timely manner.
Quick and Painless
The test is non-invasive, takes only a few minutes, and does not cause any discomfort to your baby.
Guidance for Parents
Results are explained clearly, and parents receive guidance on recommended follow-up steps if further evaluation is needed.
How Is the OAE Test Performed?
1
Ear Preparation
The healthcare professional checks the ear canal and selects a suitable soft probe tip for your baby.
2
Sound Stimulation
A small, soft probe is gently placed at the entrance of the ear canal and delivers quiet, gentle sounds.
3
Response Measurement
The device listens for and records the ear's natural otoacoustic responses to the sounds.
4
Results and Guidance
The professional explains the results and recommends appropriate follow-up steps if required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions parents ask about OAE hearing testing.
Is an OAE test painful for babies?
No. The OAE test is completely painless and non-invasive. A small, soft probe tip is gently placed at the entrance of the ear canal — nothing enters the ear canal itself. Most babies remain calm or even sleep through the test.
How long does an OAE test take?
The actual screening typically takes just a few minutes per ear. The total appointment time may be slightly longer to allow for preparation and for the professional to explain the results to you.
What does a refer result on an OAE test mean?
A refer result means the expected otoacoustic response was not clearly detected during this screening. It does not automatically mean your baby has a permanent hearing loss. Further evaluation is recommended to understand the result more clearly.
Can an OAE test detect all types of hearing loss?
No. OAE testing checks the function of the cochlea's outer hair cells. It may not detect all types of hearing concerns, such as auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder. Your healthcare professional can advise on additional assessments if needed.
When should newborn hearing screening be done?
Newborn hearing screening is ideally carried out within the first few weeks of life. If your baby has not yet had a hearing screening, speak with your healthcare provider about arranging one.
Does my baby need to sleep during the OAE test?
Your baby does not need to be asleep, but a calm, quiet state helps produce the most reliable results. Feeding your baby just before the appointment can help keep them settled.
Understanding Different Hearing Tests
Test Type
Mainly Assesses
Commonly Used For
Pure Tone Audiometry
Speech Audiometry
Tympanometry
Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE)
Who May Need a Hearing Test?
- Frequently asking others to repeat themselves in conversation
- Struggling to follow discussions in busy or noisy environments
- Turning up the television or radio volume higher than other people prefer
- Feeling as though people are frequently mumbling or slurring words
- Experiencing persistent ringing, buzzing, or clicking in one or both ears
- Difficulty distinguishing high-pitched consonant sounds or children's voices
- Withdrawing from social situations because of frustration with hearing
- History of long-term exposure to loud recreational or industrial noises
What Happens During a Hearing Test?
01
Initial Consultation
02
Ear Examination
03
Hearing Assessment
04
Results & Guidance
PEDIATRIC AUDIOLOGY
Friendly, Specialized Hearing Tests for Children
Play Audiology
Tympanometry
Early Tracking
School Prep
Expert Team
ADULT AUDIOLOGY
Comprehensive Hearing Tests for Adults
- Clinical-grade Diagnostic Audiometry (pure tone & bone conduction)
- Speech-in-Noise (SIN) thresholds to map functional conversation performance
- Tympanometry and physical outer ear assessment using digital video otoscopy
- Full digital technology compatibility fit matching & lifestyle optimization
Understanding Your Audiogram
