Summary: The pure-tone audiometry test is the primary, noninvasive diagnostic tool, and audiologists likely use it to determine the type, degree, and configuration of your hearing loss. By measuring the faintest sounds an individual can hear around the different frequencies (pitch) and intensities (loudness), an audiogram is produced to guide treatment.Â
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Introduction: This sensory modality is very diverse, and people don’t notice it. The need for audio measurement usually arises from the presence of tinnitus, difficulty transposing spoken language, or a desire for regular audio measurements.
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Key takeaways:Â In this guide, we’ll cover how pure tone audiometric testing works, how to locate an evolving audio audiogram near you, the costs associated with pure tone audiometry testing, and whether you can perform audio measurement on the Internet.
Table of Contents
What is a pure-tone audiometry test?
The standard method of determining the ability to hear is by pure-tone audiometry (PTA) testing. PTA tests utilise an audiologist to measure the threshold of hearing at various frequencies based on sound intensity levels from a loudspeaker. PTA testing does not hurt you, takes very little time, and is very accurate in determining if you are having difficulty hearing.
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In order to perform the PTA test, headphones will be placed on your head, and you will hear several sounds at different levels and frequencies. When you hear the sound, you will call attention to it either by pushing a button or by raising your hand. The results of the PTA test will be plotted on an audiogram that displays how well you hear at low, middle, and high frequencies.
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The purpose of this assessment is to identify any variation in a person’s ability to hear sounds; there are three kinds of hearing loss:Â
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- Conductive hearing loss occurs because there is a problem in the outer and/or middle ear.
- Sensorineural hearing loss results from problems in the inner ear or auditory nerve.
- Mixed hearing loss means both conductive and sensorineural problems.
Because PTA tests can provide an accurate description of what kind of hearing loss has occurred, it is a useful tool for anyone who thinks they may have a hearing problem, regularly works with loud noise or is an older adult receiving regular health checkups.
How to Find an Audiologist Near Me
How you can find an audiologist near you can be the biggest question to get the PTA test. The other step, if you are planning to get the PTA test, is finding an audiologist nearby who ensures you receive personalised care and accurate testing. Here is the fact of how to find one:
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- Online Directories: websites are the best source to find a good audiologist near you, and you can also read their reviews and work online.
- Local Clinics: You can visit ear, nose and throat clinics near you and find an audiologist who performs a pure tone audiometry test.
- Word of Mouth: You can also take suggestions and reviews from your friends, colleagues, relatives, and neighbours. They can often connect you with an experienced audiologist.
- Insurance Providers: Check your health insurance network for covered audiologists to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Once you identify a few options closer to you, read the reviews and verify the credentials. An experienced and professional audiologist manages the accurate testing and provides complete guidance through the process.
Online Hearing Test: Convenience at Your Fingertips
When going to a clinic for an assessment is not immediately feasible, an online test of your hearing ability can serve as a good first step. This form of testing can be done through a computer, tablet, or mobile phone and will allow for an overall assessment of how you hear sound.
The way most online hearing tests work is that you listen to speech or tones that are produced at varying volumes and frequencies and respond by indicating whether you heard them. Although these tests are not as accurate as an in-person PTA test, they can give you an idea of whether a formal evaluation may be appropriate.
There are many advantages to taking an online hearing test, including:Â
Convenience – No appointments are necessary, and you’ll be able to take the test right from your home.
Fast feedback – Results are typically provided immediately, and in many cases, you’ll be able to see your hearing level by frequency.
Affordable – Most online hearing tests are either free or have a low cost associated with them.
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However, keep in mind that certain factors, including the device’s quality, background noise, and user error, can affect the accuracy of the online hearing test. If you take an online hearing test and it indicates there may be hearing loss, it’s strongly recommended that you set up an appointment to get a professional PTA test done.
How much can the PTA test cost in India?
 A PTA test price in India will typically be somewhere between Rs. 300/- and Rs. 1,200/-, with these figures being contingent upon both the locale (city) and the type of test performed.
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- Typical Costs PTA tests are typically priced between Rs. 500/- and Rs. 700/- for standard tests, whereas specialised or occupational tests may cost up to Rs. 1,200/- for testing done in major metropolitan areas such as Delhi or Mumbai.
- Factors Affecting the Price of PTA Tests in India
- Location: The average price of PTA testing in smaller cities (e.g., Thane or Kalyan) is generally lower than in larger metropolitan areas.
Type of Clinic: Specialised hearing clinics and centres often charge higher rates than general diagnostic laboratories
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Additional Studies/Tests
- Tympanometry: Rs. 600/- to Rs. 700/-
- High-frequency PTA: Approximately Rs. 650/-
Audiometry tests are conducted in sound-treated rooms to evaluate an individual’s ability to hear a variety of sounds.
| Category | Details / Price Range (â‚ą) |
|---|---|
PTA Test Cost Range | ₹499 – ₹1,200 |
Specialised/Occupational Tests | Up to â‚ą1,200 |
Test Environment | Sound-treated room |
Add-on: Tympanometry | ₹600 – ₹700 |
What are the signs you should get a hearing test?
If you’re considering taking part in an assessment, it may help you to expand your understanding of examples of when it may be necessary to undergo one.
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Here are some signs that you may want to seek out a professional audiologist for Pure-tone audiometry test:
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- You’re having trouble following conversations, especially in loud spaces.
- You need to ask people to say things again more often than you would like to.
- You hear sounds or buzzing from inside your ear (tinnitus).
- You have withdrawn from being social because of problems with your hearing.
- You have a family member who has had hearing issues.
Detecting a loss of hearing early may prevent further deterioration and improve your quality of life. The latest technologies can help restore significant amounts of functionality to your ears when you recognise an issue early on.
Conclusion
It’s important that you know about your ear health. The pure tone audiometry test is one way to get an accurate assessment of your ear health; therefore, finding an audiologist close to where you live, knowing how much the PTA costs, and using Internet testing can give you the information you need to take action to protect your ears.
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If you believe that you may have hearing loss, do not ignore it; make an appointment for an evaluation, either in person or online. Take charge of your auditory health today, and you’ll be able to communicate better through your ears.
FAQs
A pure-tone audiometry (PTA) is a painless, simple test used to assess your peripheral hearing sensitivity to determine which sounds/tones are audible. PTA can help identify how well you hear different frequencies and loudness levels as compared to other people. Audiologists use this information to develop a better understanding of your hearing loss and to provide you with recommendations for treatment.
No, PTA is a completely painless, noninvasive procedure that only involves listening to sounds through headphones and giving the tester a response when you hear sounds.
A standard pure-tone audiometric test generally takes about 10 minutes to 20 minutes to complete, depending on the patient and the need for additional tests.
You should consider having a PTA if you have any problems hearing in normal conversation, if you hear ringing or buzzing sounds (tinnitus), if you often have to ask people to repeat what they said, have been around loud noises, are undergoing a regular health checkup or are getting older.
An audiologist can be located in a number of different ways: searching online, visiting an ENT clinic, calling your insurance company to see if they know of any local audiologists, or asking your friends and family for recommendations. Make sure to verify an audiologist’s qualifications and check for reviews from patients before scheduling an appointment.
Prerna Singh
Audiologist, Ear Solutions
Prerna Singh is an Audiologist at Ear Solutions, focused on delivering compassionate, patient-centric hearing care. She works closely with individuals to understand their hearing concerns and guide them toward practical, technology-driven solutions that improve everyday communication and confidence.
At Ear Solutions, Prerna supports the organization’s long-standing mission of transforming lives through better hearing. She is committed to hearing awareness, accurate assessments, and continuous patient support-ensuring every individual receives the care they need to hear better and live better, in line with the vision of #AbSabSunenge.
