What is Pure Tone Average (PTA)?

Definition: The pure tone average (PTA) is a measure of hearing loss that is calculated by averaging the air conduction thresholds of the three middle frequencies, usually 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, and 2000 Hz. For flat or gently-sloping shaped hearing losses, the PTA often correlates with the Speech Reception Threshold (SRT).

What is the puretone threshold average PTA?

The puretone threshold average (PTA) is a measure of hearing loss that is calculated by averaging the air conduction thresholds of the three middle frequencies, usually 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, and 2000 Hz. For flat or gently-sloping shaped hearing losses, the PTA often correlates with the Speech Reception Threshold (SRT).

What is the average pure tone audiometry?

The average pure tone audiometry is the average of the air conduction thresholds of all the frequencies tested. This is a more comprehensive measure of hearing loss than the PTA, but it is also less sensitive to changes in hearing loss over time.

How to interpret PTA results?

The PTA is interpreted in decibels (dB) of hearing level (HL). A normal PTA is 25 dB HL or less. A PTA of 26-40 dB HL is considered mild hearing loss, 41-55 dB HL is moderate hearing loss, 56-70 dB HL is severe hearing loss, and 71 dB HL or greater is profound hearing loss.

What is PTA 1 and PTA 2?

PTA 1 and PTA 2 are two different ways of calculating the pure tone average. PTA 1 is calculated by averaging the thresholds of the three middle frequencies, while PTA 2 is calculated by averaging the thresholds of the four highest frequencies (500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz). PTA 2 is often used to assess hearing loss in people with high-frequency hearing loss.

The PTA is a useful tool for diagnosing hearing loss and tracking the progression of hearing loss over time. It is also a good way to compare hearing loss between different ears.

If you are concerned about your hearing, it is important to see an audiologist. They can perform a pure tone audiometry test and interpret your PTA results.