Pure Tone Audiometry: What to Expect
- Hearing Solutions
- Mar 28
- 6 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) is the most important hearing test — it precisely measures how well you hear different pitches, from deep bass sounds to high-pitched consonants.
Learn more at Professional Hearing Solutions in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Call 0332-5014111.
What Is Pure Tone Audiometry?
PTA is a subjective hearing test that measures your hearing sensitivity across different frequencies. Tones are played through headphones at various pitches (250 Hz to 8000 Hz) and volumes (measured in decibels). The softest level you can hear at each frequency is your hearing threshold.
How the PTA Test Works
You sit in a soundproof booth to eliminate background noise
Headphones or insert earphones are placed on/in your ears
The audiologist plays tones starting at a comfortable volume
Tones are presented at different frequencies: 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, 8000 Hz
You press a button or raise your hand each time you hear a tone
The audiologist gradually reduces the volume to find your softest hearing level
Both ears are tested separately
Bone conduction testing may also be performed using a vibrator behind your ear
Results are plotted on an audiogram chart
Understanding PTA Results
Hearing Level (dB) | Classification | What It Means |
0-25 dB | Normal | You hear well across all frequencies |
26-40 dB | Mild loss | Difficulty hearing soft speech and whispers |
41-55 dB | Moderate loss | Difficulty with normal conversation |
56-70 dB | Moderately severe | Difficulty even with loud speech |
71-90 dB | Severe loss | Only very loud sounds are heard |
90+ dB | Profound loss | Almost no sound is heard without amplification |
How to Prepare for Your PTA Test
Avoid exposure to loud noise for 24 hours before the test
Remove earwax if your ears feel blocked — visit an ENT if needed
List any medications you are taking, as some affect hearing
Arrive well-rested — fatigue can affect test accuracy
Inform the audiologist about any ear infections or surgeries
Bring previous audiograms if available for comparison
Types of Hearing Tests Available
Professional Hearing Solutions offers a complete range of diagnostic hearing tests using calibrated audiological equipment. Each test provides specific information about your hearing health.
Test | What It Measures | Duration | Who Needs It |
Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) | Hearing sensitivity at different frequencies | 15-20 minutes | Everyone — baseline hearing assessment |
Tympanometry | Middle ear function and eardrum movement | 5 minutes | Suspected middle ear problems |
Speech Audiometry | Ability to understand spoken words | 10-15 minutes | Hearing aid candidates |
OAE (Otoacoustic Emissions) | Inner ear (cochlea) function | 5-10 minutes | Newborns and children |
ABR/BERA | Auditory nerve pathway function | 30-45 minutes | Infants, neurological cases |
What Happens During a Hearing Test
Case History: The audiologist asks about your hearing concerns, medical history, noise exposure, and family history of hearing loss.
Otoscopy: A visual examination of your ear canal and eardrum using an otoscope to check for wax blockage, infection, or structural issues.
Pure Tone Testing: You sit in a sound-treated booth wearing headphones. Tones are played at different frequencies and volumes. You press a button when you hear each tone.
Speech Testing: Words are played through headphones at different volumes to measure your speech understanding ability.
Results Discussion: Your audiologist explains the audiogram results, identifies the type and degree of hearing loss, and discusses next steps including hearing aid options if needed.
Understanding Your Audiogram Results
Hearing Level (dB) | Classification | What It Means | Treatment |
0-25 dB | Normal | No difficulty hearing | No treatment needed |
26-40 dB | Mild Loss | Difficulty hearing soft speech | Hearing aid may help |
41-55 dB | Moderate Loss | Difficulty hearing normal conversation | Hearing aid recommended |
56-70 dB | Moderate-Severe | Difficulty hearing loud speech | Hearing aid essential |
71-90 dB | Severe Loss | Only very loud sounds heard | Powerful hearing aid needed |
91+ dB | Profound Loss | Almost no hearing | Super power aid or cochlear implant |
Who Should Get a Hearing Test?
Adults over 50: Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is common. Get tested every 3 years even without symptoms.
Noise-exposed workers: Factory workers, musicians, traffic police, and military personnel should test annually.
Children: Newborns should be screened at birth. Children should be tested before school enrollment and if speech development is delayed.
Anyone with symptoms: Difficulty hearing conversations, asking people to repeat, turning up TV volume, or ringing in ears (tinnitus).
Current hearing aid users: Annual hearing tests ensure your hearing aid settings match your current hearing levels.
Book Your Hearing Test
Walk-in hearing tests are available at both Professional Hearing Solutions branches. For shorter wait times, book an appointment by calling 0332-5014111. Hearing test pricing is confirmed on consultation.
Types of Hearing Tests Available
Professional Hearing Solutions offers a complete range of diagnostic hearing tests using calibrated audiological equipment. Each test provides specific information about your hearing health.
Test | What It Measures | Duration | Who Needs It |
Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) | Hearing sensitivity at different frequencies | 15-20 minutes | Everyone — baseline hearing assessment |
Tympanometry | Middle ear function and eardrum movement | 5 minutes | Suspected middle ear problems |
Speech Audiometry | Ability to understand spoken words | 10-15 minutes | Hearing aid candidates |
OAE (Otoacoustic Emissions) | Inner ear (cochlea) function | 5-10 minutes | Newborns and children |
ABR/BERA | Auditory nerve pathway function | 30-45 minutes | Infants, neurological cases |
What Happens During a Hearing Test
Case History: The audiologist asks about your hearing concerns, medical history, noise exposure, and family history of hearing loss.
Otoscopy: A visual examination of your ear canal and eardrum using an otoscope to check for wax blockage, infection, or structural issues.
Pure Tone Testing: You sit in a sound-treated booth wearing headphones. Tones are played at different frequencies and volumes. You press a button when you hear each tone.
Speech Testing: Words are played through headphones at different volumes to measure your speech understanding ability.
Results Discussion: Your audiologist explains the audiogram results, identifies the type and degree of hearing loss, and discusses next steps including hearing aid options if needed.
Understanding Your Audiogram Results
Hearing Level (dB) | Classification | What It Means | Treatment |
0-25 dB | Normal | No difficulty hearing | No treatment needed |
26-40 dB | Mild Loss | Difficulty hearing soft speech | Hearing aid may help |
41-55 dB | Moderate Loss | Difficulty hearing normal conversation | Hearing aid recommended |
56-70 dB | Moderate-Severe | Difficulty hearing loud speech | Hearing aid essential |
71-90 dB | Severe Loss | Only very loud sounds heard | Powerful hearing aid needed |
91+ dB | Profound Loss | Almost no hearing | Super power aid or cochlear implant |
Who Should Get a Hearing Test?
Adults over 50: Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is common. Get tested every 3 years even without symptoms.
Noise-exposed workers: Factory workers, musicians, traffic police, and military personnel should test annually.
Children: Newborns should be screened at birth. Children should be tested before school enrollment and if speech development is delayed.
Anyone with symptoms: Difficulty hearing conversations, asking people to repeat, turning up TV volume, or ringing in ears (tinnitus).
Current hearing aid users: Annual hearing tests ensure your hearing aid settings match your current hearing levels.
Book Your Hearing Test
Walk-in hearing tests are available at both Professional Hearing Solutions branches. For shorter wait times, book an appointment by calling 0332-5014111. Hearing test pricing is confirmed on consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long does a PTA test take?
A standard PTA test takes 15-20 minutes for both ears. Including bone conduction, it may take 25-30 minutes.
Q2: Is PTA accurate?
PTA is the gold standard hearing test used worldwide. When performed in a calibrated soundproof booth by a trained audiologist, it is highly accurate.
Q3: Can children take PTA tests?
Children above 5 years can typically perform PTA. Younger children may need play audiometry or OAE/ABR testing.
Q4: How often should I repeat a PTA test?
Adults should get a PTA test every 1-2 years after age 50, or sooner if you notice changes in hearing.
Q5: Where can I get a PTA test in Islamabad?
Professional Hearing Solutions has calibrated audiometric equipment at both Islamabad and Rawalpindi branches. Call 0332-5014111.
Note: Prices may vary slightly due to market fluctuations, currency exchange rates, and inflation. Contact Professional Hearing Solutions for the latest confirmed pricing.
Visit Professional Hearing Solutions
Islamabad Branch: Office B-9, Muhammad Gulistan Khan Plaza 82 East, Besides Tehzeeb Bakers, Fazl-ul-Haq Road, Blue Area, Islamabad, Pakistan
Google Maps: View Islamabad Location on Map
Rawalpindi Branch: Office 5/6, Ground Floor, Siraj Plaza, Opposite Rasheed Nursing Home, Adjacent Gulzari Optics, Saidpur Road, Rawalpindi
Google Maps: View Rawalpindi Location on Map
Phone/WhatsApp: 0332-5014111
Website: www.professionalhearingsolution.com
Conclusion
Pure Tone Audiometry is the essential hearing test that reveals exactly how well you hear. Get your PTA test at Professional Hearing Solutions. Call 0332-5014111.
