The use of otoacoustic emissions for the screening of hearing loss in newborns has proven to be quite successful. Because the identification of hearing loss is so important for infants and children beyond the newborn period, it is reasonable to consider the efficacy and utility of otoacoustic emission screening at all ages of childhood. In this article, overviews of the basic principles of screening and research related to otoacoustic emissions and their measurement in infants and young children are presented. Particular emphasis is placed on the advantages and disadvantages of using otoacoustic emissions to screen for hearing loss in what may be unfavorable environmental conditions and/or in a population characterized by a high prevalence of middle ear disease.