PTA (Pure Tone Audiometry)
The gold standard clinical hearing sensitivity examination. Measures the softest audible sounds across frequencies to diagnose the exact type and degree of hearing loss.
What is Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA)?
Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) is a fundamental hearing test used to evaluate an individual's hearing sensitivity. It measures the softest sounds a person can hear at different frequencies, helping identify the type and degree of hearing loss. During the test, the patient wears headphones and responds to a series of tones played at varying volumes and pitches.
This test is simple, non-invasive, and highly accurate. It plays a crucial role in diagnosing hearing conditions and determining the most appropriate treatment or hearing aid solution. PTA is commonly used for people experiencing hearing difficulties, sudden hearing loss, or those exposed to excessive noise.
Whether for routine check-ups or specific concerns, our audiologists conduct PTA tests with utmost care and precision to ensure reliable results and personalized care plans.
How the Test is Conducted
Sound-Treated Booth Isolation
The individual sits in an acoustically certified sound-treated room or booth to avoid external environmental noise interference.
Calibrated Earphones & Bone Conductor
Calibrated audiometric headphones or insert earphones are placed over the ears for air conduction testing, followed by an oscillating bone conductor on the mastoid bone.
Pure Tone Frequencies & Intensities
A series of calibrated pure tones (simple beeping sounds) are presented at various pitches (frequencies from 250 Hz to 8000 Hz) and volume levels (intensities from -10 dB to 120 dB).
Patient Interactive Response
The person is asked to respond—usually by pressing a push-button or raising their hand—every time they hear a sound, no matter how faint or low it is.
Bilateral Independent Testing
Both ears are tested separately to map individual ear thresholds and determine if hearing loss is symmetrical or asymmetrical.