Otoacoustic Emissions

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that otoacoustic emissions or OAEs are low-intensity sounds produced by the normal cochlea and by the cochlear outer hair cells as they expand and contract. The knowledge of the function of OAEs has provided new breakthroughs and insights into early intervention and treatment of deafness. The paper then describes the four types of OAEs, as well as ways to test, assess, and measure OAEs. Additionally, the paper discusses their clinical use and prognostic value. The paper concludes that their overall recognized value is in supplying information about cochlear function, which indicates hearing problems. This unique capability holds many promises.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Anatomy
Types
SOAEs
TOAEs
DPOAEs
SFOAEs
Measurements
Clinical Use
Low-Level OAEs Predict Susceptibility to Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
OAEs Can Cause Hearing Loss without Ear Damage
Recreational Hearing Loss
Tympanic Perforations
Retrocochlear Dysfunction
DPOAEs in Older Adults
Hearing Conservation Programs
Prognostic Value of OAEs
Perspectives
OEAs and Hearing Conservation Programs
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"It has been proposed that OAEs are located in the peripheral portion of the eighth cranial nerve. These emissions appear to perform an instant modulation of frequency in the basilar membrane. Experts have established that directional hearing and noise reduction depend on inter-aural difference. They have, therefore, found it difficult to believe that a process could be working against these factors. Sound used to elicit an emission is transmitted through the outer ear. There, the auditory stimulus is changed from an acoustic to a mechanical signal at the tympanic membrane."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Amiridavan, A. et al (2006). Do otoacoustic emissions have prognostic value? 6 pages. Journal of Research in Medical Sciences. Volume 11 number 4. Retrieved on October 20, 2007 from http://journals.mui.ac.ir/jrms/article/viewPDFInterstitial/111/160
• Branustrom, J. and Johannes Lantz (2001). On the physiologica location of otoacoustic emissions. 3 pages. Working Papers: Lund University Department of Linguistics
• Campbell, K C. M. and Giner Mullin (2006). Otoacoustic emissions. 9 web sections. eMedicine. Health on the Net Foundation: WebMD. Retrieved on October 19, 2007 from http://www.emedicine.com/ent/topic372.htm#section=pictures
• Discover (1995). Otoacoustic emissions can cause hearing lose without ear damage.. 2 pages. Discover: Gale Group
• Ervin, S. E. (2007). Introduction and practical use of otozcoustic emissions in hearing conservation programs. 6 web pages. Workplace Group: Workplace Group. Net. Retrieved on October 19, 2007 from http://www.workplacegrou.net/articles/article-otoac-emiss.htm

More papers on Otoacoustic Emissions:

• Research Proposal # 105910 : "Spontaneous Otoacoustic Emissions"
• Analytical Essay # 138284 : "Cutting Emissions in Norway"
• Analytical Essay # 143863 : "Vehicle Emissions and Air Pollution"

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