Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs) are generated by which component of the cochlea?

• A Inner hair cells (IHCs)
• B Spiral ganglion neurons
• C Outer hair cells (OHCs) via electromotility (prestin-mediated) ✓
• D Stria vascularis via endocochlear potential generation

Explanation

OAEs are sounds generated by the active amplification mechanism of outer hair cells (OHCs), mediated by the motor protein prestin. OHCs change length in response to receptor potentials (electromotility), generating mechanical energy that travels backward through the cochlea and middle ear to be detected in the external canal. OAEs are absent when OHC function is lost (e.g., noise-induced damage, ototoxicity) even when IHCs remain functional (as in auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder).

Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.