Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA)
At
Central Audiology
A Comprehensive Guide
Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) is a Painless and Non-Invasive Hearing Assessment to Determine the extent of Hearing Loss in a Person. Book an Appointment at Central Audiology today for PTA.
Book Appointment
Book an Appointment Today at Central Audiology for Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA)
whatsapp / Call
+92 [300] 9200222, +92 [21] 35296285
Locate Us:
Central Audiology, Mahenti Tower, Ch. Khalique-uz-Zaman Road, Clifton Block 8, Karachi, Pakistan. Adj Lunar Furniture
Unlocking Clarity: Understanding Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA)
Hearing is a fundamental sense that connects us to the world around us. It enables us to appreciate music, engage in conversations, and experience the beauty of nature. However, for millions of individuals worldwide, hearing loss poses a significant challenge. Pure Tone Audiometry, a cornerstone of audiology, is a powerful tool used to assess and diagnose hearing loss. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Pure Tone Audiometry, exploring what it is, how it works, and its critical role in restoring the gift of sound.
The Basics of Pure Tone Audiometry
Pure Tone Audiometry, often referred to simply as “audiometry,” is a non-invasive hearing test used to evaluate the sensitivity of an individual’s hearing across different frequencies, or pitches. It measures the softest, or faintest, sounds a person can hear at various frequencies, typically ranging from very low (250 Hz) to very high (8,000 Hz). The results are plotted on an audiogram, a visual representation of an individual’s hearing thresholds.
The Audiometric Process - How's PTA performed:
The audiometric process begins with the patient comfortably seated in a soundproof booth or room. This controlled environment minimizes background noise and ensures the accuracy of the test. The audiologist or hearing specialist then provides the patient with a pair of headphones or inserts earphones or earplugs connected to an audiometer, a specialized device for conducting hearing tests.
During the test, the patient hears a series of pure-tone sounds, which are narrow-bandwidth sounds with a single frequency. These sounds are presented at different frequencies and intensities. The patient signals when they hear a sound by pressing a button or raising their hand. This feedback helps the audiologist create a detailed audiogram that represents the patient’s hearing thresholds.
Interpreting the Audiogram
The resulting audiogram is a graph that displays the patient’s hearing thresholds at various frequencies. On the audiogram, the vertical axis represents the intensity of the sound in decibels (dB), while the horizontal axis represents the frequency in Hertz (Hz). Each ear is typically tested separately, with results plotted for the left ear (marked as “X” for “left”) and the right ear (marked as “O” for “right”).
The hearing thresholds are represented by symbols, such as Xs and Os, and connected by lines on the graph. These symbols correspond to the softest sounds the patient could hear at each tested frequency. The lower the threshold, the better the hearing ability at that frequency.
The Importance of Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA)
Pure Tone Audiometry is a crucial diagnostic tool for several reasons:
Identifying Hearing Loss: It helps diagnose hearing loss and determine its type (conductive, sensorineural, or mixed) and severity (mild, moderate, severe, or profound).
Treatment Planning: It assists in developing personalized treatment plans, which may include hearing aids, cochlear implants, or medical interventions.
Monitoring Hearing Health: It allows audiologists to track changes in hearing over time, facilitating early intervention when necessary.
Occupational Health: Many industries require regular audiometric testing to monitor employees’ hearing health, particularly in noisy work environments.
Research: Pure Tone Audiometry is invaluable for research into hearing disorders and the development of hearing-related technologies.
What are the risks of Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) ?
There are no known risks associated with pure tone audiometry. The procedure is painless and does not involve any radiation or other harmful substances.
What should I expect after pure tone audiometry (PTA) ?
You may experience some mild discomfort in your ears after the test. This is usually due to the pressure of the headphones or earphones. The discomfort should go away on its own within a few minutes.
You will receive a copy of your audiogram from the audiologist. This document will show the results of your test and can be used to track your hearing loss over time.
Pure Tone Audiometry at Central Audiology
Leading the Way in Audiology: Central Audiology's Cutting-Edge Diagnostic Facility
At Central Audiology, we are dedicated to providing our patients with the highest standard of care, and this commitment extends to the technology we employ. We understand the critical role that accurate diagnostics play in addressing hearing-related concerns, which is why our audiology clinic is equipped with the latest state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment. This advanced technology allows us to facilitate our patients effectively and deliver precise results, ensuring that their auditory health is in capable hands.
At Our Audiology Clinic in Karachi, pure tone audiometry is performed under the supervision of a specialist doctor and audiologist. We provide complete satisfaction of the patients and hearing aids are dispensed after assessment if needed.
Our experienced team of Specialist Doctor and audiologists will take the time to understand your needs and concerns. We will explain the test in detail and answer any questions you may have.
The test is painless and takes about 30 minutes to complete. You will be able to return to your normal activities immediately after the test.
If you are concerned about your hearing, we encourage you to schedule an appointment for pure tone audiometry at Central Audiology. We can help you determine the nature and severity of your hearing loss and recommend the best treatment options for you.
Book Appointment
Book an Appointment Today at Central Audiology for Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA)
whatsapp / Call
+92 [300] 9200222, +92 [21] 35296285
Locate Us:
Central Audiology, Mahenti Tower, Ch. Khalique-uz-Zaman Road, Clifton Block 8, Karachi, Pakistan. Adj Lunar Furniture