Name of the Procedure:

Pure Tone Audiometry (threshold); air only

• Common name: Hearing Test
• Technical term: Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA)

Summary

A pure tone audiometry test measures a person's ability to hear various tones and frequencies through air conduction. It is done using headphones to determine the faintest tones a person can hear at different pitches and volumes.

Purpose

Pure tone audiometry is primarily used to diagnose hearing loss. The test helps in identifying the degree, type, and configuration of hearing loss, guiding subsequent treatment or intervention strategies.

Indications

• Difficulty hearing or understanding speech, especially in noisy environments.
• Frequent requests to repeat spoken words.
• Experiencing ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
• Ear pain or discomfort.
• Monitoring hearing ability over time for those at risk of hearing loss (e.g., due to aging, occupational noise exposure).

Preparation

• No special preparation is generally required.
• Patients should avoid exposure to loud noises for at least 24 hours prior to the test.
• It may be useful to inform the patient that the environment will be quiet to reduce anxiety.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is seated in a soundproof booth.
2. Headphones are placed over the ears.
3. The audiologist presents a series of beeps or tones through the headphones at various pitches and volumes.
4. The patient signals when they hear a tone, usually by raising a hand or pressing a button.
5. The responses are recorded to determine the softest sounds the patient can hear at each frequency tested.

No anesthesia or sedation is required, as the procedure is non-invasive.

Duration

The test typically takes about 20-30 minutes.

Setting

Pure tone audiometry is performed in an audiologist's office or a specialized hearing clinic equipped with a soundproof booth.

Personnel

• Audiologist or trained hearing technician.

Risks and Complications

Pure tone audiometry is a safe procedure with no significant risks or complications.

• Rarely, patients may experience slight discomfort from wearing the headphones for an extended period.

Benefits

• Accurate determination of hearing thresholds.
• Early detection of hearing loss.
• Information gathered can guide treatment options like hearing aids or other interventions.
• Immediate results and recommendations.

Recovery

• No recovery time is needed; patients can return to their normal activities immediately.
• Patients may receive a summary of their hearing test and any follow-up recommendations before leaving.

Alternatives

• Speech audiometry: Measures the ability to hear and understand speech.
• Tympanometry: Evaluates the function of the middle ear.
• Auditory brainstem response (ABR): Assesses the hearing nerve's response to sounds, usually used for infants or those who cannot perform standard hearing tests.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, the patient will hear various tones through the headphones and indicate when they hear them. The experience is generally painless and straightforward. After the procedure, there is no downtime, and patients can discuss the results with their audiologist promptly.