Pure Tone Audiometry Test: What Your Audiogram Means

June 3, 2026 Admomenta Team

Pure Tone Audiometry Test: What Your Audiogram Means

TL: DR; This blog is primarily written for patients, caregivers, and families who are trying to understand hearing difficulties, pure tone audiometry test results, and what an audiogram means before seeking audiology care. Pure-tone audiometry tests hearing: by measuring how well you hear different pitches and volumes. Your audiogram shows results: It maps your hearing levels across low to high frequencies. Hearing thresholds matter: They show whether your hearing is normal, minimal, mild, moderate, severe, or profoundly reduced. It identifies hearing loss type: Results can suggest conductive, sensorineural, or mixed hearing loss. It guides treatment decisions: Your audiogram helps decide if you need medical care, hearing aids, or further evaluation. Get checked at Ear360 clinics: Visit Ear360 clinics if you notice tinnitus, muffled hearing, loud TV volume, or trouble hearing conversations. It is not always obvious that someone is losing their hearing. These can sometimes start with little things, such as making people repeat themselves, turning up the television volume, difficulty understanding what people say in noisy environments, or feeling really tired after listening all day. The changes can be baffling, particularly if you’re not sure whether they’re temporary, due to age, noise, or something that should be treated. This is where a pure tone audiometry test can come in handy. Helps to give a clear idea of how well you hear the various sounds and pitches, and the results are displayed on a chart called an audiogram. We believe that when patients are informed, they make better choices about their health, and that is why we are ResonnoCare. This article covers what happens during a pure-tone audiology test, what the results might mean, and what to do next. What Is Pure Tone Audiometry? Pure tone audiometry quantifies auditory sensitivity to sound frequency in hearing assessments. For audiologists, this helps assess the presence, configuration, and severity of hearing loss. This also pinpoints frequency impact. You are made to listen to tones of different frequencies and volumes through a bone vibrator. Tones are presented one at a time. You respond to each tone by pressing a button, and this is done for each tone at each frequency. Hearing threshold is defined as the softest tone that is detected 50% of the time. The pure tone audiometry test is noninvasive and painless. The test takes 20 to 30 minutes. The assessment is conducted for individuals as young as 5 and serves as the basis for many other auditory assessments. What Does an Audiogram Show? A pure-tone audiometry test produces a graph called an audiogram. At first, this chart may seem daunting, but it will be very easy to understand once you learn what you’re reading. Frequency or pitch is plotted on the horizontal axis, in units of Hertz (Hz). The range of frequencies is from 250Hz (low-pitched sounds, such as a rumble) to 8000Hz (high-pitched sounds, such as a whistle or a bird call). This frequency range is of great importance clinically because human speech is in the range of 500Hz-4000Hz. Loudness is shown on the vertical axis in dB Hearing Level (dB HL). Typically, it will range from 10 dB (very soft) at the top to 120 dB (extremely loud) at the bottom. The lower the mark on the audiogram, the louder a sound must be for you to hear it, and the greater the hearing loss. The thresholds on the audiogram are indicated by symbols for each ear: O (red) = right ear thresholds X (blue) = left ear thresholds [ and ] = bone conduction thresholds (help determine type of hearing loss). The thresholds for all frequencies tested on a normal audiogram are between 0 and 25 dB. Numbers higher than this indicate hearing loss of varying degrees. How Is the Degree of Hearing Loss Classified? One of the most significant things your pure tone audiometry results will show is how severe your hearing loss is. This is usually classified as: Minimal (16 to 25 dB HL): Difficulty hearing faint or distant speech, particularly in noisy environments. Mild (26 to 40 dB HL): Difficulty with everyday sounds that doesn’t interfere very much with everyday activities Moderate (41 to 55 dB HL): Needs to be heard by others at close range, such as when someone is talking quietly; difficulty hearing in noisy environments Moderate (41-55 dB HL): A hearing aid is required for normal conversation to be heard most of the time. Moderately Severe (56-70 dB HL): Needs to hear speech with loud volumes; group conversations are very difficult Severely hearing impaired (71-90 dB HL): Loud sounds and shouted speech may be heard, but not usual or conversational speech Low (91-100 dB HL): Not much ability to hear unaided or with minimal assistance (such as hearing aids or implants) Understanding the extent of your loss helps our team at Resonnocare guide you toward the most appropriate intervention, whether that is monitoring, a hearing aid fitting, or a referral for further specialist care. What Type of Hearing Loss Do You Have? Pure-tone audiometry is more than a measurement of your hearing loss. It can also assist your doctor in determining the cause of your hearing loss and in choosing the appropriate intervention or support. Conductive hearing loss is due to impaired transmission of sound through the outer or middle ear to the inner ear. This could be because of the earwax blockage, the accumulation of fluid behind the eardrum, a hole in the eardrum, or a problem with the small bones in the middle ear. Bone conduction is often normal, and air conduction is decreased on an audiogram. Medical or surgical therapies can improve conductive hearing loss in some instances. Sensorineural hearing loss happens when there is damage to the hearing cells in the inner ear or to the hearing nerve. This is the most common type of hearing loss in adults. Can be associated with prolonged noise exposure or age. Air conduction and bone conduction are both decreased on an audiogram. This type of hearing loss is typically permanent;

TL: DR;

This blog is primarily written for patients, caregivers, and families who are trying to understand hearing difficulties, pure tone audiometry test results, and what an audiogram means before seeking audiology care.

Pure-tone audiometry tests hearing: by measuring how well you hear different pitches and volumes.
Your audiogram shows results: It maps your hearing levels across low to high frequencies.
Hearing thresholds matter: They show whether your hearing is normal, minimal, mild, moderate, severe, or profoundly reduced.
It identifies hearing loss type: Results can suggest conductive, sensorineural, or mixed hearing loss.
It guides treatment decisions: Your audiogram helps decide if you need medical care, hearing aids, or further evaluation.
Get checked at Ear360 clinics: Visit Ear360 clinics if you notice tinnitus, muffled hearing, loud TV volume, or trouble hearing conversations.

It is not always obvious that someone is losing their hearing. These can sometimes start with little things, such as making people repeat themselves, turning up the television volume, difficulty understanding what people say in noisy environments, or feeling really tired after listening all day.

The changes can be baffling, particularly if you’re not sure whether they’re temporary, due to age, noise, or something that should be treated. This is where a pure tone audiometry test can come in handy. Helps to give a clear idea of how well you hear the various sounds and pitches, and the results are displayed on a chart called an audiogram.

We believe that when patients are informed, they make better choices about their health, and that is why we are ResonnoCare. This article covers what happens during a pure-tone audiology test, what the results might mean, and what to do next.

What Is Pure Tone Audiometry?

Pure tone audiometry quantifies auditory sensitivity to sound frequency in hearing assessments. For audiologists, this helps assess the presence, configuration, and severity of hearing loss. This also pinpoints frequency impact.

You are made to listen to tones of different frequencies and volumes through a bone vibrator. Tones are presented one at a time. You respond to each tone by pressing a button, and this is done for each tone at each frequency. Hearing threshold is defined as the softest tone that is detected 50% of the time.

The pure tone audiometry test is noninvasive and painless. The test takes 20 to 30 minutes. The assessment is conducted for individuals as young as 5 and serves as the basis for many other auditory assessments.

What Does an Audiogram Show?

A pure-tone audiometry test produces a graph called an audiogram. At first, this chart may seem daunting, but it will be very easy to understand once you learn what you’re reading.

Frequency or pitch is plotted on the horizontal axis, in units of Hertz (Hz). The range of frequencies is from 250Hz (low-pitched sounds, such as a rumble) to 8000Hz (high-pitched sounds, such as a whistle or a bird call). This frequency range is of great importance clinically because human speech is in the range of 500Hz-4000Hz.

Loudness is shown on the vertical axis in dB Hearing Level (dB HL). Typically, it will range from 10 dB (very soft) at the top to 120 dB (extremely loud) at the bottom. The lower the mark on the audiogram, the louder a sound must be for you to hear it, and the greater the hearing loss.

The thresholds on the audiogram are indicated by symbols for each ear:

O (red) = right ear thresholds
X (blue) = left ear thresholds
[ and ] = bone conduction thresholds (help determine type of hearing loss).

The thresholds for all frequencies tested on a normal audiogram are between 0 and 25 dB. Numbers higher than this indicate hearing loss of varying degrees.

How Is the Degree of Hearing Loss Classified?

One of the most significant things your pure tone audiometry results will show is how severe your hearing loss is. This is usually classified as:

Minimal (16 to 25 dB HL): Difficulty hearing faint or distant speech, particularly in noisy environments.
Mild (26 to 40 dB HL): Difficulty with everyday sounds that doesn’t interfere very much with everyday activities
Moderate (41 to 55 dB HL): Needs to be heard by others at close range, such as when someone is talking quietly; difficulty hearing in noisy environments
Moderate (41-55 dB HL): A hearing aid is required for normal conversation to be heard most of the time.
Moderately Severe (56-70 dB HL): Needs to hear speech with loud volumes; group conversations are very difficult
Severely hearing impaired (71-90 dB HL): Loud sounds and shouted speech may be heard, but not usual or conversational speech
Low (91-100 dB HL): Not much ability to hear unaided or with minimal assistance (such as hearing aids or implants)

Understanding the extent of your loss helps our team at Resonnocare guide you toward the most appropriate intervention, whether that is monitoring, a hearing aid fitting, or a referral for further specialist care.

What Type of Hearing Loss Do You Have?

Pure-tone audiometry is more than a measurement of your hearing loss. It can also assist your doctor in determining the cause of your hearing loss and in choosing the appropriate intervention or support.

Conductive hearing loss is due to impaired transmission of sound through the outer or middle ear to the inner ear. This could be because of the earwax blockage, the accumulation of fluid behind the eardrum, a hole in the eardrum, or a problem with the small bones in the middle ear. Bone conduction is often normal, and air conduction is decreased on an audiogram. Medical or surgical therapies can improve conductive hearing loss in some instances.

Sensorineural hearing loss happens when there is damage to the hearing cells in the inner ear or to the hearing nerve. This is the most common type of hearing loss in adults. Can be associated with prolonged noise exposure or age. Air conduction and bone conduction are both decreased on an audiogram. This type of hearing loss is typically permanent; however, often be very well managed using hearing aids and/or hearing support.

Mixed hearing loss is when a person has both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. A more detailed assessment is required for this type to make an appropriate treatment plan.

This is why it’s crucial to consider the entire audiogram as well as your symptoms when evaluating the test results.

What Are the Common Signs That You May Need a Pure Tone Audiometry Test?

Slow, easy-to-ignore changes are why many people put off getting a hearing test. At Resonnocare, we regularly encounter patients who tell us they wish they had been here sooner. Some of the most common symptoms to watch for are:

Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
Trouble hearing when there is noise, such as at a restaurant or family reunion
Loudening the TV or the phone tone, so it is much louder than the usual level it was set at.
Persistent buzzing, ringing, or hissing noises in the ears (tinnitus)
Not hearing what others are saying clearly, even though they are talking clearly. Mumbling even though talking normally
Inability to hear high-pitched frequencies, such as a doorbell, a bird, or a child’s voice

If you or someone in your family is experiencing any of these, a pure tone audiometry test is the right starting point. Our hearing care for all ages service is designed precisely for this, from young children to older adults.

When Should You See an Audiologist Urgently?

Any changes in hearing should be checked by a professional as soon as possible, even if they occur slowly. Please seek an urgent evaluation if you notice any of the following:

Sudden hearing loss in one or both ears: This means a major change in hearing that develops within 72 hours or less. It should be assessed urgently.
Ear pain or a blocked feeling that does not go away: Pain, pressure, or fullness in the ear can sometimes be a sign of an infection or another ear-related problem that needs medical attention.
Hearing loss with bleeding or discharge from the ear: Any fluid, pus, blood, or unusual discharge from the ear should be checked by a doctor or ENT specialist.
Dizziness or vertigo along with hearing changes: If you feel dizzy, off balance, or have spinning sensations along with hearing loss or a change in hearing, you should seek medical advice promptly.
Pulsatile tinnitus: This is a sound in the ear that beats in time with your heartbeat. It should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

These symptoms may point to conditions that need both ENT and audiology assessment. In many cases, getting help early can make a big difference in recovery and long-term hearing health.

Why Choose Resonnocare for Hearing and Audiology Care?

At Resonnocare, we approach every patient’s hearing health with clinical seriousness and genuine care. Our team of experienced audiologists and clinicians understands that no two audiograms are alike, and neither are the people behind them.

Here is what you can expect when you come to us:

Accurate, comprehensive hearing assessments: Our pure tone audiometry testing follows established clinical protocols. We take time to ensure results are reliable and properly interpreted, not just numbers on a page.
Personalized care plans: Based on your audiogram, lifestyle, and communication needs, we build a plan that works for you. That may include clinical monitoring, hearing aid recommendations, or specialist referral.
Access to leading hearing aids: If amplification is recommended, our team will guide you through the best options available. We also offer a free hearing aid trial so you can experience the difference before committing.
Care at your convenience: Whether you prefer an in-clinic visit, a home visit, or a video consultation, Resonnocare is designed to make hearing care accessible, especially for those with mobility challenges or busy schedules.
Ongoing aftercare: Our relationship with you does not end once you leave the clinic. Our aftercare services ensure your hearing aids and hearing health are continuously supported.

Conclusion

A pure-tone audiometry test is more than just a routine hearing test. It provides a clear understanding of your hearing system’s performance and offers insight into potential support needs.

Knowing what you hear and how it affects you can help you to ask the right questions and make the proper decisions in hearing care.

The Resonnocare team can help you if you’ve had a hearing test before but don’t know what your results mean, or if you’ve been avoiding one.

To learn more about the hearing evaluation, please schedule your appointment today. The first step in improving hearing is understanding hearing health.

FAQ’s

What is pure tone audiometry?

Pure-Tone Audiometry is a hearing test commonly used to assess a person’s ability to hear sounds at different frequencies and intensities. The test is conducted with headphones that allow the audiologist to hear tones and ascertain the type and severity of hearing loss.

What level of PTA is normal?

In Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA), adult hearing threshold (0-25 dBHL) is considered to be normal. If the results are high, the hearing loss might be mild, moderate, or more severe.

Is pure tone audiometry painful?

Pure Tone Audiometry is not painful or invasive. It is a relatively straightforward process – listening to sound, pressing a button, or signaling when hearing sound through headphones.

How is the PTA test done?

Pure Tone Audiometry is performed using an audiometer in a soundproof room, with the patient seated and wearing headphones. Different sounds are played to both ears, and the patient answers when he/she hears a sound. Then it is tested using the hearing test results, which are plotted on an audiogram.

What should you not do before a hearing test?

No loud noise, high-volume headphones, or anything that can temporarily impair hearing sensitivity before a hearing test. Prior to the hearing test, excessive earwax should be removed, as it can affect the test results.

Tags: Audiogram Interpretation Hearing Loss Diagnosis