In toxicology, OAEs are a non-invasive tool used to detect early signs of ototoxicity, which refers to ear damage caused by exposure to toxic substances. Certain drugs, like some antibiotics (e.g., aminoglycosides) and chemotherapeutic agents (e.g., cisplatin), are known to cause ototoxicity. By measuring OAEs, researchers and clinicians can identify cochlear damage before clinical symptoms of hearing loss become apparent.
