| otoacoustic | Referring to the very faint sounds produced by the ear; thought to represent mechanical vibrations in the cochlea. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| otoacoustic emissions, spontaneous | Sinusoidal tones originating in the cochlea. These faint sounds, with levels between 10-30 decibels, are usually not recognised by the persons having them. However, the emissions can be recorded using sensitive microphones placed in the ear canals. The clinical significance of having or not having spontaneous otoacoustic emissions is unclear; however, some association between tinnitus and the spontaneous emissions has been reported. (12 Dec 1998) |