Oto Acoustic Emissions (OAE) is the only technique that actually tests the functionality of the Outer Hair Cells within the cochlea. That is why OAE deserves a permanent place in the basic equipment of audiologically trained professionals. Not only for hearing screening of newborns but also in clinical audiology for investigating types and causes of hearing loss. Clinical OAE analyze the efficacy of the Outer Hair Cells over a wide range of frequencies, at the rate of 8 points per octave. This enables to have an extensive, in depth look at the cochlea. To facilitate professionals in unlocking this potential, HearingCoach developed the world's first multivariate statistical model applied to the use of clinical OAE, quantifying outer hair cell function as a percentage per frequency. This offers the possibility to identify 'hidden' hearing loss (1) and to explain the possible resulting subjective auditory complaints such as impaired speech understanding, tinnitus or hyperacusis.

(1) Hidden hearing loss is a type of hearing loss that cannot be measured by tone threshold audiometry. If you suspect hearing loss, the first step is to measure your hearing with an audiogram, but for people with hidden hearing loss, the audiogram looks like someone with normal hearing.

Many people have a hard time understanding the concepts of 'decibel' and 'pitch'. This makes it difficult and time-consuming for professionals to explain the outcome on the audiogram to patients. Therefore, HearingCoach developed the 'Age of Hearing'(1) tool which translates the audiogram into 'age of hearing'. Although this has little value from a purely medical point of view, it helps to give people an insight into their situation in a quick, simple way.

(1) Age of Hearing is based on ISO 7029;2017 Acoustics - Statistical distribution of hearing thresholds related to age and gender

Prevention of noise-induced hearing loss is a major challenge, especially when it comes to changing people's behaviour. With the tool 'Risk Profile'(1) you can help them to make the ‘better’ choice by showing to what extent their hearing loss will increase unless they wear hearing protectors.

With the application 'Personal Protection Evaluation'(2) you prevent people wearing hearing protectors from walking around with a 'false feeling of safety’.

(1) ‘Risk Profile’ is based on ISO standard 1999:2013 Acoustics - Estimation of noise-induced hearing loss
(2) ‘Personal Protection Evaluation’ is based on EN 458 Recommendations for the selection, use, care, and maintenance of hearing protectors.