We accept most private insurances, participate in the Medicaid program and are a Childnet agency with funding available through the Part C grant. OAE's are present in nearly all people with normal hearing. OAE measurement can be used to screen the hearing of infants and small children, as well as others that typically do not cooperate with regular hearing testing. OAE testing is performed on every infant born at Woman's Hospital. OAE testing is performed in a quiet test room.
Testing is most effective when the patient is sitting quietly or sleeping.
To ensure that baby is relaxed for the testing, parents may consider bringing a pacifier or bottle. However, test results will be obtained more quickly with a sleeping infant or child. This test is often used when more information than what is provided with OAE is needed to complete an in-depth evaluation of hearing or the auditory system. Sensors called electrodes are taped to the forehead and ears of the patient. A series of sounds are presented through earphones.