CPT® Code 92558

Evoked otoacoustic emissions, screening (qualitative measurement of distortion product or transient evoked otoacoustic emissions), automated analysis

Evoked otoacoustic emissions (OAE) screening is a diagnostic procedure used to assess the functional status of the cochlea, specifically focusing on the health of the hair cells within this structure. The cochlea, a spiral-shaped organ in the inner ear, not only receives sound but also generates low-intensity sounds known as otoacoustic emissions. These emissions are thought to result from the movement of the outer hair cells in the cochlea, which expand and contract in response to auditory stimuli. The OAE tests are particularly beneficial for identifying hearing loss, especially in populations such as neonates, infants, or individuals with developmental disabilities, as they do not require any behavioral response from the patient. The screening can be conducted using two primary methods: distortion product evoked otoacoustic emissions (DPEOAEs) and transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs). In DPEOAE testing, two simultaneous tones of different frequencies are used to elicit emissions, while TEOAE testing employs brief acoustic stimuli, such as clicks or tone bursts. During the procedure, a microphone probe is placed in the external ear canal, and the emitted otoacoustic emissions are recorded and analyzed by specialized software. The results of the screening are then reviewed by a physician to determine if further testing is necessary.