SFOAEs

SFOAEs, or Spectrally Flattened Otoacoustic Emissions, are a type of evoked otoacoustic emission. Otoacoustic emissions are sounds generated by the inner ear, specifically the cochlea, in response to external sounds. They are a byproduct of the active processes of the outer hair cells within the cochlea, which amplify and fine-tune auditory signals. SFOAEs are distinguished by their relatively flat spectral profile across a given frequency range, meaning their amplitude does not significantly vary with frequency. This contrasts with other types of otoacoustic emissions, such as distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs), which often exhibit distinct peaks and dips in their spectral representation. SFOAEs are typically elicited using specific stimulus paradigms, often involving a continuous pure tone or a narrow band of noise. Their measurement can provide valuable information about the functional status of the cochlea, particularly the integrity of the outer hair cells. Abnormalities in SFOAEs can be indicative of cochlear dysfunction, such as that associated with noise-induced hearing loss or ototoxicity. They are a non-invasive tool used in audiology for hearing assessment and research.