300 Longwood Avenue Boston, MA 02115 (617) 355-6000 Clinical Services (Diagnostic Audiology Program): Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) What is an Otoacoustic emissions test? Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) are measured with a rubber tip in your child's ear canal. They indicate whether the hair cells of the cochlea (inner ear) are functioning, and can be measured to be present or absent as long as your child has no wax or fluid in the ear. When is this test performed? An OAE may be performed during your child's visit for an ABR test or a Behavioral Audiological Evaluation. The information on this website should not be taken as medical advice, which can only be given to you by your personal health care professional. Copyright © Children's Hospital Boston. All rights reserved.