otoakustisiin

Otoakustiset is a term related to the study of the ear. Specifically, it refers to phenomena involving otoacoustic emissions (OAEs). Otoacoustic emissions are sounds that are produced within the inner ear, in the cochlea. They are generated by the outer hair cells, which are tiny muscle-like cells in the cochlea that amplify faint sound vibrations. When these hair cells are functioning correctly, they vibrate in response to incoming sound waves and, in turn, produce their own faint sounds that travel back out through the middle ear and can be measured by a sensitive microphone placed in the ear canal.

The presence and characteristics of otoacoustic emissions can provide valuable information about the health and function of the cochlea and outer hair cells. OAEs are typically measured as a diagnostic tool in audiology to assess hearing. They are particularly useful for screening newborn hearing, as they can detect hearing loss that might otherwise go unnoticed. The test is non-invasive and relatively quick. Different types of OAEs exist, including transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) and distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs), each providing slightly different insights into cochlear function. Abnormal or absent OAEs can indicate damage to the outer hair cells, which is often associated with hearing loss.