Transient evoked otoacoustic emissions: clinical applications and technical considerations

Otoacoustic emissions are defined as sound energy emitted by the cochlea. They are believed to be generated by the outer hair cells of the Organ of Corti. Several types of evoked otoacoustic emissions have been described. At present, transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) equipment is readily available commercially for clinical purposes. This paper describes our early experience with this equipment from a clinician's perspective. It reviews some of the technical problems we have encountered and their solutions. It also presents selected clinical examples where TEOAEs were particularly helpful in the clinical setting, thus illustrating the potential usefulness of this new clinical tool.