Pure Tone Audiometry Test
What is a Pure Tone Audiometry Test?
A pure tone audiometry test is the most widely used diagnostic process to evaluate hearing sensitivity across different sound frequencies and understand the type, degree, and configuration of hearing loss. The PTA test for the ear involves listening to a series of tones through headphones and responding when you hear them. This test measures the softest sounds (thresholds) you can detect at varying frequencies, producing a pure tone audiogram result that shows your hearing ability in detail.
Who Should Take the PTA Hearing Test?
A PTA hearing test or pure tone audiometry test is performed for various age groups whenever hearing loss, balance problems, or communication issues are suspected.
Children
A PTA test helps detect early hearing loss in children who experience speech delays or have issues in language development or learning.
Adults Who Have Hearing Problems
Persons with a subjective impression of loss of hearing can take the pure tone audiometry test for the correct diagnosis. In fact, these people may sometimes have difficulty following conversations, turn up the volume on their TVs, or fail a routine hearing screening.
The Elderly
Hearing loss, which comes with ageing, is common. Therefore, routine PTA ear testing for older persons will help monitor changes, provide guidance in hearing aid fittings, and, hence, maintain the older persons' quality of life.
Loud Noise Exposure
A pure tone audiometry test should be done for workers in loud environments and other people, like musicians, who are exposed to occupational hazards, to monitor their ear health and prevent progressive hearing loss.
Purpose of Pure Tone Audiometry and How It Helps
The purpose of pure tone audiometry is to test the level of hearing loss, identify a problem, and find viable solutions. Pure tone audiometric examination can:
- Help in early identification of hearing issues so that intervention is possible even before the patient notices the problem.
- Differentiate between conductive, sensorineural, and mixed hearing loss.
- Measure the degree of loss (mild to profound) across frequencies, creating a clear, pure tone audiogram for both ears.
- Help the audiologist suggest an appropriate solution based on the patient's specific needs.
- Monitor hearing ability when changes are suspected due to noise exposure, ototoxic drugs, or trauma.
Pure Tone Audiometry Procedure: Step-by-Step Guide
Our pure tone audiometry procedure is simple and painless. Here’s what you can expect:
Understanding Pure Tone Audiogram & Thresholds
A pure-tone audiogram is a chart to check hearing levels over frequencies from 250 Hz to 8000 Hz. The horizontal axis shows frequency from low to high pitch, while the vertical axis displays intensity in decibels Hearing Level (dB HL), with 0 dB HL being the faintest sound heard by an average person.
Your audiologist will explain whether your hearing falls within normal, mild, moderate, or severe loss ranges. A normal pure tone audiogram shows consistent hearing sensitivity across speech frequencies, whereas deviations indicate specific hearing issues.
Pure Tone Audiometry Test Results Explained
The pure tone audiometry test result records the softest sounds as per the pure tone thresholds. Hearing thresholds up to 25 dB HL are considered normal. Above this, hearing is categorised as:
- Normal Hearing (0–25 dB HL): Within normal range.
- Mild Loss (26–40 dB HL): Difficulty hearing soft sounds or in noisy environments.
- Moderate Loss (41–55 dB HL): Conversational speech becomes unclear.
- Moderate-Severe (56–70 dB HL): Challenges with most everyday speech.
- Severe Loss (71–90 dB HL): Only very loud sounds are audible.
- Profound Loss (90+ dB HL): Minimal or no usable hearing.
Clinicians also calculate the pure tone average (PTA), the average hearing thresholds at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz, to summarise hearing ability in the speech range. The pure tone threshold audiometry readings guide whether you need further tests, such as a PTA impedance test or hearing aid fitting.
Pure Tone Audiometry Test Price & Booking Options
Quality Hearing Care has put its best foot forward in making advanced diagnostics affordable. Our pure tone audiometry test prices are competitive but vary according to the type of assessment, whether a standard PTA ear test, a PTA impedance test, or any follow-up consultations are required.
Besides, we also offer an easy booking system wherein you may schedule a pure tone audiometry test online if you want. Patients can either call or book through our website for added convenience.
Book Your Pure Tone Hearing Test Today
Never delay treatment, as early detection makes a difference. With more than 1,000 successful tests done, Quality Hearing Care is a trusted name across Mumbai for PTA hearing tests with accurate results. Book your pure tone audiometry test online now for timely diagnosis.
FAQs – Pure Tone Audiometry Test
Is a PTA test painful?
No, the PTA test for the ear is completely safe and painless. It simply measures your response to different sound frequencies.
What is the cost of a PTA test?
The pure tone audiometry test price varies based on whether you take a standard test or add specialised options like a PTA impedance test. Contact us for exact charges.
What level of PTA is normal?
A PTA hearing test normal range, or PTA test normal range, is typically between 0–25 dB, indicating normal hearing.
How often should I take a Pure Tone Audiometry Test if I work in a noisy environment?
If you work in loud environments, schedule a pure tone hearing test at least once a year to monitor ear health.
Is Pure Tone Audiometry suitable for monitoring age-related hearing decline?
Yes, performing pure tone audiometry is ideal for testing elderly persons’ hearing health. Regular testing gives potential for intervention at an appropriate time, so the quality of life may remain intact.
