DPOAE
Pronunciation: dee-poh-ay
Also written as: DPOAE — Distortion-Product Otoacoustic Emission
Distortion-Product Otoacoustic Emission; a frequency-specific type of otoacoustic emission generated by the cochlea in response to two simultaneous pure tones, used to assess outer hair cell function.
Full Definition
DPOAEs are evoked when two primary tones (f1 and f2) are presented simultaneously, causing the cochlea to generate a distortion product at a mathematically predictable frequency (typically 2f1−f2). Because they reflect the mechanical integrity of outer hair cells, DPOAEs provide objective, frequency-specific evidence of cochlear function without requiring a behavioural response from the patient. In editorial documents, the acronym should be expanded on first use as 'distortion-product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE).' Editors must distinguish DPOAE reports from TEOAE reports, as each reflects different stimulus and analysis parameters. Results are typically presented as signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) values rather than in dB HL.
Usage
Usage note: Always hyphenate 'distortion-product' when used as a compound modifier. Expand acronym on first use in every document.
In Context
- "DPOAE results indicated absent responses bilaterally above 2000 Hz, consistent with high-frequency outer hair cell dysfunction." — Audiological evaluation report
- "When expanding the acronym, editors should write 'distortion-product otoacoustic emission' with a hyphen between 'distortion' and 'product.'" — Editorial style guide