SFOAEt

SFOAE stands for Short Frequency Otoacoustic Emissions test. It is a type of audiological test used to assess the function of the cochlea and the auditory nerve. The test is non-invasive and involves the placement of a small probe in the ear canal. The probe emits a series of low- level sounds, which are then measured as they are reflected back to the probe through the middle ear and the cochlea.

During the SFOAE test, the sound levels emitted by the probe are increased or decreased in a step-wise fashion, and the hearing loss is measured at the same time. The SFOAE test is most commonly used to monitor the effectiveness of treatments for hearing loss, such as hearing aids or cochlear implants. It can also be used to detect changes in the function of the cochlea over time.

The SFOAE test is particularly useful for diagnosing and monitoring sensorineural hearing loss, which is the type of hearing loss that occurs due to damage to the hair cells in the cochlea. It can also be used in conjunction with other audiological tests, such as the tone decay test, to provide a more complete picture of an individual's hearing status.

The SFOAE test is a relatively quick and painless procedure, taking no more than 15-30 minutes to complete. Results of the test are typically reported in terms of the average of the responses to the low-level sound stimuli, and are interpreted by an audiologist or hearing specialist trained in the use of the SFOAE test.