Pure Tone Audiometry

Pure tone audiometry is the primary hearing test used to identify an individual's hearing threshold levels. It helps determine the degree, type, and configuration of hearing loss, providing essential information for diagnosis and management.

Why is Pure Tone Audiometry Important?

1. Finding Hearing Thresholds: It identifies the quietest sounds you can hear.
2. Determining Hearing Loss Level: It shows if your hearing loss is mild, moderate, severe, or profound.
3. Identifying Hearing Loss Type: It helps figure out if the problem is in the outer, middle, or inner ear.
4. Understanding Hearing Loss Pattern: It shows how your hearing loss affects different pitches.

The Pure Tone Audiometry Procedure

1. Preparation: You sit in a soundproof booth to block out background noise. Headphones or ear inserts are placed on your ears.
2. Air Conduction Testing: Sounds are played through the headphones, and you signal when you hear them. This checks your overall hearing ability.
3. Bone Conduction Testing: A small device behind your ear sends vibrations directly to your inner ear, bypassing the outer and middle ear. This helps identify where the hearing problem is.
4. Audiogram: Your responses are recorded on an audiogram, showing how well you hear different sounds.

Understanding the Results

The audiogram shows your hearing ability:

• Normal Hearing: You can hear sounds between 0 to 25 dB.
• Mild Hearing Loss: You can hear sounds between 26 to 40 dB.
• Moderate Hearing Loss: You can hear sounds between 41 to 55 dB.
• Moderately Severe Hearing Loss: You can hear sounds between 56 to 70 dB.
• Severe Hearing Loss: You can hear sounds between 71 to 90 dB.
• Profound Hearing Loss: You can hear sounds above 90 dB.

Benefits of Pure Tone Audiometry

• Early Detection: It finds hearing loss early, so you can get help sooner.
• Customized Care: It helps doctors create a hearing care plan just for you, which might include hearing aids.
• Tracking Changes: It monitors your hearing over time to adjust your treatment as needed.