Measuring otoacoustic emissions
Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs)-sounds arise in the inner ear and can be measured in the external ear canal following the presentation of an acoustic stimulus.
They can be measured free of pain with a sensitive measuring microphone in
the auditory canal. This measuring technique does indeed provide information on the
presence of a hearing impairment, but it does not allow any precise degree of
its extent.
BERA (Brainstem Electric Response Audiometry)
A more exact method of mesuring hearing impairment in infantes
and children is the BERA.
When this method is used the child needs to be calm or sleeping. This method is painless.
Electrodes are normally attached to the child's head. Acoustic stimuli are given to the child.
The child's response is then graphically measured. The measurements do
not take long to perform.
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