Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) Testing in Navi Mumbai
Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) Testing in Navi Mumbai by Dr. Priti Mhatre offers quick, painless newborn hearing screening to catch hearing concerns early and protect your baby's speech and language development
Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) Testing in Navi Mumbai by Dr. Priti Mhatre
Long before your baby says their first word, they're already listening — to your voice, to everyday sounds, to the world taking shape around them. When hearing loss is present at birth and goes unnoticed, those early months of listening and language-building can quietly slip by. At — Dr. Priti Mhatre’s Child Development Clinic, we help parents catch this early and give their baby the best possible start.
Dr. Priti Mhatre, a developmental pediatrician trusted by families across Navi Mumbai, offers accurate Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) testing — a quick, painless newborn hearing screen that checks how well your baby's inner ear is working, without requiring your baby to do anything at all. In a calm, baby-friendly setting, you get clear results early, when they matter most for your child's development.
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- MBBS, DCH, PGD in Developmental Pediatrics
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- Founder and Lead Developmental Pediatrician at Dr. Priti Mhatre's Child Development Clinic, providing specialized care in autism, ADHD, speech delays, and developmental disorders for over 10+ years
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What Is Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) Testing?
Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) Testing is a simple, non-invasive hearing screen that measures how the inner ear (cochlea) responds to sound. When a healthy ear picks up a sound, the tiny hair cells inside the cochlea vibrate and send back a faint "echo" — the OAE test uses a highly sensitive microphone to detect exactly that echo.
Because the equipment handles all the measuring, your baby doesn't need to respond, react, or cooperate in any way — most babies simply sleep right through it. This is what makes OAE testing the ideal screening tool for newborns, infants, and young children who can't take a traditional, response-based hearing test.
- Checks how well the inner ear is functioning
- Takes only a few minutes and needs no active response from the baby
- Results are available immediately as "Pass" or "Refer"
When Should Your Baby Have an OAE Test?
Hearing screening needs can look different depending on your baby's history and age. Spotting the right moment early makes a real difference in how quickly a concern is caught.
Newborns Who Need Screening
- Missed the initial newborn hearing screening at the hospital
- Received a "Refer" (fail) result and needs a follow-up test
- Spent time in the NICU, was born prematurely, or had high jaundice (bilirubin) levels
Infants With Added Risk Factors
- A family history of childhood hearing loss
- Doesn't startle at loud sounds or doesn't turn toward familiar voices
- Needs a hearing check alongside a developmental assessment
Older Infants & Young Children
- Preparing to start speech therapy and needs a baseline hearing check
- Any parental concern about how the child is responding to sound
- Wanting a second opinion or confirmatory screening for peace of mind
Understanding Your OAE Test Result
An OAE test gives one of two clear outcomes, based on which the next step is decided. Knowing what each result means takes the uncertainty out of the process.
Result 1: Pass
Inner Ear Responding Normally
A "Pass" indicates the cochlea is functioning as expected at the time of testing, which is a reassuring first-step result for your baby's hearing development.
Result 2: Refer
Needs a Closer Look
A "Refer" result simply means hearing needs further evaluation — it does not automatically mean hearing loss. It can be caused by fluid, vernix in the ear canal, or a restless baby during testing.
Result 3: Repeat
Confirmatory Testing
An unclear or "Refer" result is usually rechecked after a few weeks in a calmer session. If a concern remains, a confirmatory BERA (Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry) test is recommended for a definitive diagnosis.
A baby's result guides the next step — it's a starting point for clarity, not a final verdict on hearing health.
Why Early Hearing Screening Matters for Your Baby
Parents often assume a baby who reacts to loud noises must be hearing fine — but some hearing losses only affect specific sound frequencies, which is exactly why a proper screening test matters more than casual observation. Early hearing loss isn't caused by anything a parent did; it stems from a mix of genetic, developmental, and perinatal factors.
Genetic & Family Factors
A family history of childhood hearing loss meaningfully raises the likelihood of a hearing concern in a newborn, making early screening especially important in these cases.
Development in the Womb & Around Birth
Premature birth, low birth weight, NICU admission, and high jaundice (bilirubin) levels are all recognized risk factors that make a hearing check a priority.
Why the First Six Months Matter Most
The first six months of life are critical for speech and language development, and that development depends directly on hearing. A hearing loss present from birth can go unnoticed for months or years, simply because babies adapt and parents often have no obvious reason to suspect a problem.
Myth-busting: A "Refer" result is not a diagnosis of hearing loss, and a baby reacting to some sounds doesn't rule out a hearing concern. Only proper screening — followed by confirmatory testing if needed — gives a reliable answer.
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What to Expect: Cost & Duration of OAE Testing
Every parent wants clarity on cost and timeline — and while every baby's situation looks different, here's a transparent picture of what typically shapes both.
What Affects the Cost of Testing
OAE testing cost in Navi Mumbai depends on a few factors:
- Whether the test is a standalone newborn screening or part of a broader developmental check
- Whether a repeat screening is required after an initial "Refer" result
- Any additional confirmatory testing recommended based on the outcome
We share a clear cost estimate before your baby's appointment — no hidden surprises later.
How Long Does Testing Take?
Unlike ongoing therapy, OAE testing is a quick, one-time screening rather than a multi-session process. Most families can expect:
- • On the day : Initial The test usually takes just a few minutes per ear
- Immediate results : "Pass" or "Refer" outcomes are available right away
- • Next steps: Sustained If a repeat test or confirmatory BERA is needed, our team schedules and explains it clearly
Good to know: The test is completely painless and risk-free, and most babies sleep through the entire screening.
Expert Speaks: Dr. Priti Mhatre
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Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions parents ask us most often about OAE testing in Navi Mumbai.
What is Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) testing?
OAE testing is a quick, non-invasive hearing screen that measures how the inner ear responds to sound, checking for the natural "echo" produced by healthy hair cells inside the cochlea.
At what age can my baby have an OAE test?
OAE testing can be done within the first few days of life and is the standard newborn hearing screening. It can also be performed on older infants and young children whenever a hearing check is needed.
My baby got a "Refer" result — does that mean hearing loss?
Not necessarily. A "Refer" result simply means hearing needs further evaluation. It can be caused by fluid, ear-canal debris, or a restless baby during testing. A repeat test, and if needed a confirmatory BERA test, will give a clear answer.
How long does the OAE test take?
The test usually takes just a few minutes per ear, and results are available immediately.
Is the OAE test painful or unsafe for my baby?
No. The test is completely painless, non-invasive, and carries no risk. A soft probe is placed gently in the ear canal, and most babies remain calm or asleep throughout.
What's the difference between an OAE test and a BERA test?
CAn OAE test is a quick screening of the inner ear that gives a "Pass" or "Refer" result. A BERA test is a more detailed diagnostic test that confirms whether hearing loss is present and how significant it is, by assessing the complete hearing nerve pathway.
Should older infants or children get an OAE test too?
Yes. While it's most commonly used for newborns, OAE testing is also useful for older infants and young children — for example, alongside a developmental assessment or before starting speech therapy.
How much does OAE testing cost in Navi Mumbai?
Cost depends on whether the test is a standalone screening or part of a broader evaluation, and whether repeat or confirmatory testing is needed. We provide a transparent cost estimate before your baby's appointment.
Is OAE testing covered by insurance in India?
Coverage varies by insurer and policy. Some plans partially cover newborn hearing screenings. We recommend checking with your insurance provider directly, and our team can help with the required documentation.
Where can I get reliable OAE testing in Navi Mumbai?
Look for a clinic with pediatric screening experience, a calm and baby-friendly setting, and a clear pathway for follow-up care. Dr. Priti Mhatre's Child Development Clinic offers trusted OAE testing in Navi Mumbai, with complete support from screening through diagnosis and therapy.
Our Clinic Locations
Conveniently located across Navi Mumbai and Thane — book a visit at whichever clinic works best for your family.