Specialized, Gentle, and Objective Hearing Evaluations for Your Child’s Earliest Milestones

Early detection is the foundation for speech, language, and developmental success.

Early hearing detection is one of the most vital steps in a child’s development. At Goshen Speech & Hearing Center, we offer specialized Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) testing—a quick, safe, and objective screening method that assesses auditory health without requiring the patient to actively respond.

Whether your baby needs a follow-up newborn screening, your pediatrician recommended an objective evaluation, or you are seeking advanced auditory diagnostics, our clinical team is here to provide gentle, comprehensive care.

What is Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) Testing?

Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs) are soft sounds produced by the microscopic outer hair cells of the inner ear (cochlea) in response to auditory stimulation.

When sound enters a healthy ear, these outer hair cells vibrate and generate a faint echo that travels back out into the ear canal. During an OAE test, a small, soft probe placed gently in the ear canal measures this response.

Presence of an OAE: Indicates that the outer hair cells are functioning normally and sound is reaching the inner ear.
Absence of an OAE: Suggests potential hearing reduction, fluid in the middle ear, or damage to the hair cells that warrants further diagnostic evaluation.

Who Benefits from OAE Testing?

While OAE testing is primarily recognized as a gold-standard screening tool for infants, its objective precision makes it an essential diagnostic test across multiple clinical applications:

1. Newborns and Infants

Hospital Screening Follow-Ups: If your infant did not pass their initial hospital newborn hearing screening or was born in an out-of-hospital setting, prompt rescreening is essential.
Developmental Monitoring: Evaluates hearing health during early developmental windows to ensure optimal speech and language acquisition.

2. Toddlers, Young Children & Individuals with Disabilities

Traditional hearing tests (audiograms) require patients to raise their hand, press a button, or turn their head in response to tones.
OAE testing is completely objective, making it the ideal assessment tool for children too young to follow instructions, as well as individuals with developmental delays, sensory sensitivities, or cognitive disabilities.

3. Monitoring Ototoxic Medications & Noise Exposure

Certain medications (such as specific chemotherapy drugs, high-dose loop diuretics, or intravenous antibiotics) can be ototoxic, damaging outer hair cells.
OAEs detect cellular damage earlier than standard audiometric evaluations, allowing physicians to adjust dosages before noticeable hearing loss occurs.

4. Tinnitus with "Normal" Hearing Tests

Many patients experience persistent ringing or buzzing (tinnitus) despite having standard hearing test results within normal thresholds.
High-frequency OAEs can reveal early, subtle outer hair cell stress or hidden hearing loss that a standard Comprehensive Audiologic Evaluation (CAE) might not yet detect.

What to Expect During the Screening

We understand that medical evaluations for infants and young children can cause anxiety for parents. Our pediatric-friendly environment is designed for maximum comfort:

Quick and Painless: The test typically takes only 5 to 10 minutes.
Non-Invasive: A small, soft-tipped probe is placed resting gently at the opening of the ear canal.
No Sedation or Fasting Needed: Testing is best performed while the baby is sleeping, resting quietly, or feeding.
Immediate Results: Our audiologists and clinical team review the screening data immediately, providing clear explanations and coordinated guidance for your pediatrician or ENT.

Why Choose Goshen Speech & Hearing Center?

Integrated Pediatric Care: As a multidisciplinary practice providing audiology, speech therapy, and feeding therapy, we take a holistic approach to early childhood communication.
ENT Specialty Care Collaboration: As a division of ENT Specialty Care, we coordinate directly with medical specialists when medical or surgical ear care (such as chronic middle ear fluid management) is indicated.
Family-Centered Approach: We take the time to answer every question, guide you through insurance benefits, and ensure your family feels supported every step of the way.

Schedule an Evaluation Today

If your child needs an outpatient newborn hearing screening, or if you would like to schedule an objective OAE evaluation, contact our clinical coordination team today.

Office Phone: (845) 360-9323
Location: Goshen, NY