Recent Posts
Among the five senses, hearing plays an important role in communication, connectivity, and awareness of one’s surroundings. In fact, loss of hearing can occur so gradually that it becomes hard to realize or often goes completely unnoticed till an extra burden is felt in daily life. That is why regular tests in hearing are essential, and one of the most precise test tools for this purpose is Pure Tone Audiometry test.
This article defines what is pure tone audiometry test, how the pure tone audiometry test procedure works, how to understand the pure tone audiometry results interpretation, and what can be expected before and after your analysis. If you are considering a pure tone audiometry test in Kolkata, this guide will provide you the assistance to understand the process better.
What Is a Pure Tone Audiometry Test?
A Pure Tone Audiometry Test (PTA) is a usual analytical procedure utilised to measure how well you are able to hear numerous frequencies and sound volumes. It gives assistance to recognise the level and nature of hearing loss — whether it’s minor, modest, or severe.
During this assessment, you’ll wear headphones and listen to a range of tones at diverse pitches and noise levels. Every time you hear a sound, you reply by pressing a button or raising your hand. The pure tone audiometry test results are then plotted on a chart known as an audiogram, which visually signifies your ability of hearing.
To put it simply, Pure Tone Audiometry identifies the least loud sound that is audible to you at every frequency — resulting in a thorough understanding of your hearing ability and assisting the audiologist in making a precise pure tone audiometry report.
Step-by-Step: The Pure Tone Audiometry Test Procedure
If this is your first time and you have never taken a hearing test, knowing about the Pure Tone Audiometry Test procedure can really help you out in reducing anxiety and also give you an idea of what to expect. This part of the article leads you through the whole process so that you feel confident during your test.
1. Pre-test Discussion and Ear Examination
Before the test, the audiologist will:
- Review your medical and hearing history
- Ask about symptoms such as ringing in the ears, dizziness, or difficulty following conversations
- Inspect your ear canal with an otoscope to ensure there’s no blockage or infection
This step ensures accurate pure tone audiometry test results.
2. Entering the Soundproof Booth
The soundproofed room where the test is conducted completely removes outside noise. You will be asked to wear headphones or earphones with an audiometer connection — the device that produces the sounds for the test.
3. Air Conduction Testing
This stage checks how sound travels through your outer and middle ear.
- In each ear, different frequencies in the order of low to high pitch are played one at a time.
- You will indicate by your reaction when you hear the sound, even if it is very faint.
- The audiologist records the lowest sound level you can detect for each frequency — this is called your hearing threshold.
4. Bone Conduction Testing
- If the air conduction test results show hearing loss, the audiologist goes ahead with the bone conduction test to clarify the matter.
- A tiny vibrator is placed discreetly behind your ear on the mastoid bone.
- The sounds do not go through the outer and middle ear; instead, they directly reach the inner ear.
- Comparing the air and bone conduction thresholds indicates whether the hearing loss is of the conductive, sensorineural, or mixed type.
5. Recording and Reviewing the Audiogram
Your replies are charted on an audiogram, reflecting the softest sounds you can detect at diverse frequencies. This becomes your Pure Tone Audiometry report, which the audiologist uses to explain your health of hearing.
Understanding Pure Tone Audiometry Results Interpretation
Your Pure Tone Audiometry Test results are displayed on a graph — the audiogram.
- The X-axis shows the frequency (pitch) of sounds, from low to high.
- The Y-axis shows loudness (decibels).
- Symbols (O for right ear, X for left ear) indicate your hearing thresholds.
Here’s a simplified look at how audiologists interpret the results:
| Hearing Level | Decibel Range (dB HL) | Interpretation |
| Normal | 0 – 25 dB | Able to hear soft sounds clearly. |
| Mild Loss | 26 – 40 dB | May struggle to follow soft speech or distant voices. |
| Moderate | 41 – 55 dB | Harder to hear conversations in noisy surroundings. |
| Moderately Severe | 56 – 70 dB | Need amplified sound or hearing aids |
| Severe | 71 – 90 dB | Limited hearing even with raised voices. |
| Profound | 91 dB + | May only perceive very loud or vibrational sounds. |
Key points in pure tone audiometry results interpretation:
- If both air and bone conduction outcomes showcases loss, it’s sensorineural (inner-ear issue).
- If only air conduction highlights loss, it’s conductive (outer/middle-ear issues).
- If both exist but with a gap, it’s mixed hearing loss.
These explanations guide your audiologist in determining treatment or hearing aid suggestions. This is also where the pure tone audiometry test procedure aids creating a transparent profile of hearing.
Why Pure Tone Audiometry Matters
Hearing loss rapidly grows slowly, and early recognition can make a large difference. The Pure Tone Audiometry Test plays a crucial role in:
- Detecting hearing loss before signs become severe.
- Determining whether hearing loss is temporary or permanent.
- Evaluating how effectively you can hear across different frequencies.
- Helping tailor hearing aid programming for optimal clarity.
- Monitoring hearing health over time, especially for people exposed to loud environments.
Regular hearing tests are recommended for:
- Adults over 40 years old.
- Individuals working in noisy industries.
- Children showing speech or learning delays.
- People experiencing tinnitus or ear infections frequently.
Factors That May Influence Test Results
A few factors can affect Pure Tone Audiometry Test results, including:
- Temporary ear infections or wax build-up.
- Background noise or improper headphone placement.
- Fatigue or inattention during testing.
- Calibration accuracy of the audiometer.
Professional clinics use calibrated equipment and soundproof environments to ensure your Pure Tone Audiometry report reflects accurate results.
Pure Tone Audiometry Cost in Kolkata
The Pure Tone Audiometry cost in Kolkata can vary depending on the clinic, equipment used, and whether further ancillary testing is advised. Generally, the prices are within the reach of almost anyone, especially considering the precious information one obtains from such a test.
You might expect the cost to range based on:
- Whether both air and bone conduction testing are performed.
- The consultations and follow-ups included.
- The technology and standards of soundproofing in the testing facility.
Investment in this test ensures early detection and assists in preventing long-term hearing complications.
Where to Get an Accurate Pure Tone Audiometry Test in Kolkata
Now that you understand how the Pure Tone Audiometry Test procedure works, the next step is how to choose the right hearing care provider.
At Hearing 360 Degree, every test conducted by our certified audiologists guarantees precision in all the records, hence providing comfort to all age groups.
Why Choose Hearing 360 Degree
- Certified Experts – Experienced audiologists specializing in hearing diagnostics.
- Modern Equipment – Advanced audiometers and soundproof test rooms for precise measurements.
- Comprehensive Reports – Clear interpretation of Pure Tone Audiometry results and guidance on next steps.
- Affordable Pricing – Transparent and reasonable Pure Tone Audiometry cost in Kolkata with no hidden fees.
- Personalized Hearing Solutions – From hearing test to hearing aid selection, all under one roof.
At Hearing 360 Degree, your hearing health is our priority.
Related Hearing Tests You May Need
Depending on your hearing concerns, your audiologist may recommend one or more of the following tests alongside the Pure Tone Audiometry Test. Each plays a specific role in understanding your overall hearing profile:
Impedance Audiometry
Impedance Audiometry (also known as Tympanometry) measures how well the middle ear functions. It helps detect problems such as fluid buildup, eardrum stiffness, or Eustachian tube blockage. This test is particularly useful for identifying conductive hearing loss and middle ear infections.
Learn more about Impedance Audiometry
Speech Audiometry
Speech Audiometry evaluates how clearly you can hear and understand speech at various loudness levels. It measures your speech reception threshold (SRT) and word recognition score (WRS), which help determine how well you process spoken words — even in noisy environments. This test complements Pure Tone Audiometry by assessing practical, real-world hearing ability.
Explore Speech Audiometry Test
Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) Test
The Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) Test checks the function of the outer hair cells in the inner ear (cochlea). It’s quick, painless, and often used for newborn hearing screening or for people unable to respond during traditional hearing tests. An OAE test helps identify sensorineural hearing loss and is an important diagnostic tool for both children and adults.
Know more about OAE Testing
Together, these tests help build a complete profile of your auditory health.
Conclusion: Take Charge of Your Hearing Health
The Pure Tone Audiometry Test procedure is simple, reliable, and essential for anyone looking to maintain healthy hearing. Understanding your Pure Tone Audiometry results interpretation helps you make informed decisions about treatment and prevention.
If you’re looking for a trusted center for a Pure Tone Audiometry Test in Kolkata, Hearing 360 Degree offers accurate diagnostics, expert care, and affordable pricing — all under one roof.
Schedule your hearing test today to protect your hearing and improve your quality of life.
Here is some of the most important information you should know(Most Common Questions)
What are the Benefits of a Pure Tone Audiometry Test?
A Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) test helps accurately determine your hearing ability and detect any hearing loss. It identifies the type and degree of hearing loss, allowing audiologists to suggest the right treatment or hearing aids. This test can catch early signs of hearing issues in both children and adults and is especially useful for monitoring hearing changes over time, particularly for people exposed to loud noise. Regular PTA tests support better hearing health, clearer communication, and an improved quality of life. The procedure is quick, painless, and essential for maintaining healthy hearing.
What is the Cost of Audiometry in Kolkata?
The cost of an audiometry test in Kolkata typically ranges from ₹500 to ₹1,500, depending on the clinic, test type, and equipment used. Advanced diagnostic centres or ENT clinics may charge slightly higher for comprehensive hearing evaluations. Despite being affordable, audiometry tests provide valuable insights into your hearing health, helping detect hearing loss early and guiding the right treatment. Many reputed hearing clinics in Kolkata also offer packages that include counseling and hearing aid trials. Investing in a quality audiometry test ensures accurate diagnosis and better long-term hearing care.
Which is the Best Clinic for Audiometry Test in Kolkata?
Hearing 360 Degree is one of the best clinics for an audiometry test in Kolkata. The clinic is furnished with advanced audiology technology and handled through qualified hearing care professionals who have expertise in precise hearing analysis. At Hearing 360 Degree, patients get complete hearing evaluations such as Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA), Impedance Audiometry, and Speech Audiometry by contemporary diagnostic equipment. The clinic is famous for its precise results, professional guidance, and tailored hearing solutions. With a patient-first style and reasonable pricing, Hearing 360 Degree stands out as one of the best hearing clinics in Kolkata for consistent audiometry testing and comprehensive hearing care.
What are the best brands of hearing machines?
When it comes to selecting the best brands of hearing machines in Kolkata, Hearing 360 Degree offers a variety of internationally trusted options to suit diverse hearing requirements and budgets. The clinic offers innovative hearing aids from top brands such as Phonak, recognised for its Swiss-engineered sound clarity and unified Bluetooth connectivity; Signia, contributing sleek designs with contemporary technology and rechargeable options; and Audio Service, which emphases on personalized, discreet hearing solutions. They also feature Starkey, a top brand offering AI-powered hearing aids with outstanding performance and smart connectivity, along with Coselgi, a consistent and budget-friendly brand ideal for first-time users. With such a varied selection, Hearing 360 Degree guarantees that every patient obtains the best hearing experience tailored to their lifestyle and comfort.
