Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) are absent in sensorineural hearing loss exceeding 30–40 dB HL because they specifically test the integrity of:

• A Inner hair cells
• B Spiral ganglion neurons
• C Stria vascularis
• D Outer hair cells ✓

Explanation

OAEs are sounds generated by the electromotile activity of outer hair cells (OHCs) as part of their active amplification of basilar membrane vibration. They reflect the health of OHCs rather than inner hair cells or neural elements. TEOAE and DPOAE are absent when OHC damage causes loss exceeding ~30–40 dB. In auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD), OAEs are present (OHCs intact) but ABR is absent or abnormal (neural dysfunction).

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.