Otoacoustic emission test equipment. Computer displaying the output from an otoacoustic emission test, which is used to detect abnormalities in the cochlea in the inner ear. It measures otoacoustic emissions (OAEs), which are small sounds caused by movement of the eardrum in response to vibrations deep in the cochlea. A healthy cochlea produces vibrations whenever sounds are processed, but an impaired cochlea does not. The output is analysed by an audiologist. Lack of OAEs indicates at least mild hearing loss, which will affect speech and language development if left untreated. OAE tests are used to identify auditory problems in babies, including neonates.