What should you know about PTA pure tone audiometry?

You respond whenever you hear a tone, even if it is very faint. The clinician records responses for each ear and plots them on an audiogram. Air-conduction testing uses headphones or inserts; bone-conduction testing may use a small vibrator behind the ear to explore how sound travels through the middle and inner ear. The pattern can help show whether hearing loss affects one or both ears and whether it is mainly conductive or sensorineural.

Results are interpreted with your symptoms, examination and medical history. Blocked ear canals, including possible Earwax Buildup, can change hearing. Hearing changes with spinning sensations or ringing may need assessment for conditions such as Meniere's Disease.

Attend rested and tell the audiologist about hearing difficulty, ear pain, discharge, noise exposure, medicines and previous ear surgery. Bring hearing aids if you use them; they may be removed during parts of the test. Sit quietly, follow the response instructions and mention if the headphones feel uncomfortable. The appointment is usually straightforward, and you can return to normal activities afterward unless your clinician gives different advice.

Arrange prompt medical assessment for sudden hearing loss, especially in one ear, or hearing loss with severe dizziness, facial weakness, new neurological symptoms or fluid or blood from the ear. Do not wait for a routine audiogram if symptoms began abruptly. For gradual difficulty, book a Hearing Test and discuss the result with a clinician who can examine the ears.

Ask which part of the audiogram is outside the expected range, whether both ears are affected, what type of hearing loss the pattern suggests, and whether wax, infection, medicines or noise may contribute. You can also ask whether repeat testing, hearing support or an ear specialist review is appropriate.