Spontaneous Otoacoustic Emission (SOAE) refers to the faint sounds emitted by the inner ear without any external stimulation. These emissions are often detected using sensitive microphones placed in the ear canal, and are considered to be a result of the mechanical vibrations of the cochlea.
The cochlea is a spiral-shaped, fluid-filled structure within the inner ear responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain. Normally, the cochlea responds only to external sounds, but in some individuals, it also generates its own low-level vibrations, producing spontaneous otoacoustic emissions.
SOAEs are typically high-frequency sounds, not audible to the human ear without amplification. They have a continuous, tonal character and can vary in intensity and pitch. The frequency range at which SOAEs occur varies among individuals and can even change over time within the same person.
The presence of spontaneous otoacoustic emissions suggests that the cochlea is functioning well and can act as an indicator of normal hearing. Their absence may be an indication of hearing loss or malfunction in the inner ear. Researchers and audiologists utilize the measurement of SOAEs to evaluate hearing sensitivity, assess hearing disorders, and conduct non-invasive hearing screenings, particularly in infants and young children who may not be able to respond reliably to traditional hearing tests.
In conclusion, spontaneous otoacoustic emissions are the self-generated sounds emitted by the inner ear, occurring spontaneously without any external sound stimulation. These emissions are valuable indicators of normal hearing function and are utilized to evaluate hearing sensitivity, diagnose hearing disorders, and conduct hearing screenings, particularly in young children.
