Audiometry PTA: what the hearing test measures

PTA commonly refers to pure-tone audiometry. During the assessment, you wear headphones or small insert earphones and respond whenever you hear a tone, even if it is very faint. The clinician changes the pitch and loudness, then records your responses on an audiogram.

An audiogram compares hearing across pitches and between the two ears. It can show whether reduced hearing affects mainly low, middle, or high pitches and whether the pattern is similar on both sides. The shape of the result helps an audiologist consider whether sound is being blocked in the outer or middle ear, or whether the inner ear or hearing nerve may be involved.

The test result is not a diagnosis by itself. Earwax buildup, congestion, fluid behind the eardrum, noise exposure, ageing, and inner-ear conditions can produce different patterns. Your clinician combines the audiogram with your symptoms, ear examination, and other tests when needed.

Tell the clinic about recent loud-noise exposure, ear pain, discharge, dizziness, ringing, or a sudden change in hearing. Bring hearing aids if you use them, although the pure-tone measurements are usually taken without amplification. Follow the instructions about responding to quiet tones; guessing or waiting for a louder sound can affect the recording.

Afterwards, ask which ear and pitches were affected and whether the findings need repeating. If blockage is suspected, an ear examination may be needed before the hearing test is interpreted. A broader hearing assessment can add speech testing or middle-ear measurements.

Arrange prompt medical assessment for hearing loss that starts suddenly, especially in one ear, or for hearing change accompanied by severe dizziness, facial weakness, significant ear pain, or discharge. Do not wait for a routine audiometry appointment if these symptoms are present.

For gradual hearing difficulty, book an assessment if conversations, telephone calls, or background noise are becoming hard to follow. Persistent ringing or recurrent dizziness also deserves clinical review because the cause may need examination beyond a hearing chart.

Ask: Which part of my hearing is reduced? Could earwax or a middle-ear problem be affecting the result? Do I need speech or middle-ear testing? Should the test be repeated, and when? What changes should prompt an earlier review?