What measurement is used to assess the function of outer hair cells in the cochlea?

Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs) are utilized to assess the function of outer hair cells in the cochlea because they provide direct information about the health and functionality of these specific cells. Outer hair cells play a crucial role in enhancing sensitivity and frequency selectivity in hearing by amplifying sound vibrations. When outer hair cells are functioning properly, they generate sound waves that can be detected in the ear canal, known as otoacoustic emissions.

The presence of OAEs indicates that the outer hair cells are working effectively, while the absence of OAEs may suggest damage or dysfunction in these cells, reflecting a potential auditory impairment. This makes OAEs a valuable tool in audiological assessments, particularly in evaluating cochlear functioning and screening for hearing loss in infants and populations where conventional audiometric testing may not be feasible.

In contrast, other measures such as the Auditory Brainstem Response focus more on the auditory nerve and brainstem pathways rather than outer hair cell function, while Pure Tone Audiometry and Bone Conduction Testing primarily evaluate the overall hearing ability and the integrity of the auditory system across various pathways, rather than specific functionality of the outer hair cells.