You'll sit in a soundproof room, wear headphones, and respond to tones of different frequencies and volumes during a pure tone audiometry test. This non-invasive procedure doesn't require special preparation and helps determine the faintest sounds you can hear. You'll respond to sounds, and your results will be recorded on an audiogram.

Your hearing ability will be compared to normal levels, and any hearing loss will be classified. As you learn more about the test, you'll discover how it can help identify hearing loss and lead to discussions about treatment options that can improve your hearing.

All Ears in Hearing is based in Rochedale South and Shailer Park. We service all the surrounding areas of Rochedale, Shailer Park, Logan, Mount Gravatt, Acacia Ridge, Parkison, Stretton, Browns Plains, Regents Park, Forestdale, Forest Lake, Springfield Lakes and Waterford West.

How PTA Test Works

The pure tone audiometry (PTA) test works by detecting the faintest sounds you can hear. It's a simple, non-invasive procedure that doesn't require any special preparation. You'll be seated in a soundproof room, wearing headphones, and asked to respond to sounds of different frequencies and volumes. The test is usually conducted by an audiologist or a hearing specialist who'll play the sounds through the headphones.

As you hear each sound, you'll be asked to indicate when you can hear it and when you can't. The audiologist will then adjust the volume and frequency to determine the minimum sound level you can detect. This information will be recorded on an audiogram, which is a graph that shows your hearing ability at different frequencies. You'll be tested for both air conduction and bone conduction to get a comprehensive picture of your hearing. The results will help identify any hearing problems you may have, and it's essential to follow the instructions carefully to get accurate results.

Hearing Loss Diagnosis

You've just undergone a PTA test, and now it's time to analyze your results to determine if you have any hearing loss. Your test results will show the softest sounds you can hear at different frequencies, which will be compared to normal hearing levels. If your results show that you can't hear sounds that are normally audible, it may indicate hearing loss.

You'll receive an audiogram, which is a chart that shows your hearing ability at different frequencies. It'll show your hearing threshold, or the softest sound you can hear, at each frequency. If your threshold is higher than normal, it means you have hearing loss. The degree of hearing loss will be classified as mild, moderate, severe, or profound, depending on your threshold. You'll also learn if your hearing loss is conductive, sensorineural, or mixed, which will help determine the best course of treatment for you.

Test Procedure Steps

Along with your audiologist, you'll go through a series of steps during a Pure Tone Audiometry test, which typically takes place in a soundproof room. You'll be seated comfortably and given headphones to wear. Your audiologist will then introduce a series of tones through the headphones, and you'll be asked to respond when you hear them. The tones will vary in frequency and intensity, and you'll be asked to indicate when you can hear them.

You'll be tested for air conduction, where the sound is transmitted through the air, and bone conduction, where the sound is transmitted through the skull. Your audiologist will use a device to produce the tones and record your responses. You'll be asked to press a button or raise your hand when you hear a tone. The test will assess your ability to hear different frequencies and intensities, and it's essential to follow your audiologist's instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.

Audiogram Results Analysis

Several key components make up an audiogram, which is a graph that plots your hearing thresholds, or the softest sounds you can hear, at different frequencies. You'll see the frequency in Hertz (Hz) on the x-axis and the intensity in decibels (dB) on the y-axis. Your results are marked with symbols, usually "O" for the right ear and "X" for the left ear.

When you analyze your audiogram results, you're looking for the degree and type of hearing loss you have. If your thresholds are above 25 dB, it indicates some degree of hearing loss. You can have conductive, sensorineural, or mixed hearing loss. Conductive loss occurs when sound can't reach your inner ear, while sensorineural loss happens when there's damage to your inner ear or auditory nerve. Mixed loss is a combination of both. You should review your results with an audiologist or hearing specialist to understand what they mean and how they'll affect your daily life. They can help you interpret the results and determine the best course of action.

Treatment Options Available

Many treatment options are available to help manage hearing loss, and it's likely that your audiologist will recommend a combination of them based on your specific needs. You may be prescribed hearing aids, which can significantly improve your ability to hear and communicate. It's also possible that you'll be recommended to use assistive listening devices, such as FM systems or phone amplifiers, to help you in specific situations.

You should discuss the costs and benefits of each treatment option with your audiologist to determine what's best for you. They can help you navigate the process and ensure that you get the most out of your treatment plan. Additionally, you may be referred to a specialist, such as an ear, nose, and throat doctor, for further evaluation and treatment. By working with your audiologist, you can develop a plan that addresses your hearing loss and helps you communicate more effectively.