What type of sound testing would be most appropriate for a child who cannot participate in standard testing?

Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) testing is particularly suitable for children who are unable to actively participate in standard hearing tests. OAEs measure the sound waves produced in the inner ear (cochlea) in response to auditory stimuli. This testing method does not require the child to provide a behavioral response; instead, it simply detects the presence of these emissions which indicate functioning of the outer hair cells in the cochlea. This allows clinicians to assess hearing ability in very young children or those with developmental delays who may not be able to understand or comply with more traditional methods of audiometric testing.

In contrast, pure-tone audiometry requires the child to respond actively to tones being presented, which may not be feasible for all children. Speech audiometry involves understanding verbal responses, adding further complexity for those unable to communicate effectively. Tympanometry assesses middle ear function but does not provide information about the actual auditory perception, making it less useful in situations where direct measurement of hearing is needed. OAEs, therefore, represent a non-invasive and effective approach for evaluating hearing in children who cannot follow typical testing protocols.