Services

Pure tone audiometry (PTA) is a diagnostic test used to evaluate an individual’s hearing ability. It is performed by trained audiologists or healthcare professionals in a soundproof booth to minimize external noise interference. The individual wears headphones or inserts earphones and is presented with pure tones at various frequencies (measured in Hertz or Hz) and loudness levels (measured in decibels or dB). The individual indicates when they can hear the tones by pressing a button or raising their hand.

The purpose of PTA is to measure the individual’s hearing thresholds, which are the softest sounds they can hear at different frequencies. The results are plotted on an audiogram, which is a graphical representation of the individual’s hearing ability across different frequencies. The audiogram can provide information about the type, degree, and configuration of hearing loss, if present.

There are some reasons why an ENT doctor may recommend a PTA test:

1. To diagnose hearing loss: PTA tests are the most common type of hearing test and can detect hearing loss and the degree of hearing loss a patient may be experiencing.
2. To monitor hearing loss: If a patient has already been diagnosed with hearing loss, a PTA test may be used to monitor their hearing ability over time.
3. To evaluate the effectiveness of hearing aids or other treatments: If a patient has been prescribed hearing aids or other treatments, a PTA test may be used to determine whether these treatments are effective in improving their hearing.

PTA tests are a valuable diagnostic tool that can detect hearing loss, evaluate hearing aid effectiveness, track changes in hearing over time, identify the cause of hearing loss, and prevent communication difficulties.

People who are more likely to have hearing loss or have already been diagnosed with hearing loss may need to take Pure-Tone Audiometry (PTA) tests regularly. This can include older people, those who work in noisy environments, people with a family history of hearing loss, those with certain medical conditions, and children. PTA tests are done to check their hearing ability and find out if there are any changes that need attention or treatment. By having regular PTA tests, people can monitor their hearing health and identify any hearing problems early, which can help them to get the right treatment at the right time.