What does the absence of emissions in an OAE test indicate?

The absence of emissions in an Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) test typically indicates that there may be some degree of hearing loss, but it does not provide information about the specific degree of that loss. OAEs are sensitive indicators of cochlear (specifically outer hair cell) function in the inner ear. When emissions are present, it suggests that the cochlea is functioning normally and, thus, the hearing levels are likely within the normal range. Conversely, when emissions are absent, it points toward possible cochlear dysfunction, which could be caused by a variety of factors, including auditory neuropathy or outer hair cell damage.

However, the test alone cannot quantify the severity of hearing loss; it only confirms that there is a problem with the cochlear function. Therefore, while the absence of OAEs points to potential hearing impairment, it does not specify how severe that impairment may be, which aligns with the understanding of the limitations of the OAE test results.