Pure Tone Audiometry Results: Do You Need Hearing Aids?

Pure tone audiometry

Dr.
Zheng, I would like to ask about my company's health check, specifically regarding the pure tone audiometry results.
For the right ear, the thresholds are as follows: 250 Hz at 20 dB, 500 Hz at 45 dB, 1 kHz at 50 dB, 2 kHz at 50 dB, 4 kHz at 60 dB, and 8 kHz at 65 dB.
For the left ear, the thresholds are: 250 Hz at 50 dB, 500 Hz at 40 dB, 1 kHz at 45 dB, 2 kHz at 50 dB, 4 kHz at 60 dB, and 8 kHz at 55 dB.
The report did not provide an explanation, only stating that the right ear has moderate abnormality and the left ear has severe abnormality.
Should I be concerned that my hearing loss is severe enough to require a hearing aid? Thank you for your clarification!

Yuan Qingxi, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/08/17

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Dear Mr.
Yuan,
Hello, the average values for hearing tests are generally calculated based on 500 Hz, 1 kHz, and 2 kHz frequencies.
The average for your right ear is 48 decibels, and for your left ear, it is 45 decibels.
Both ears are classified as having sensorineural hearing loss.
Based on the current decibel levels, you do not meet the criteria for applying for a disability certificate; however, you may still have difficulty hearing in noisy environments.

Whether you should wear a hearing aid may depend on your work requirements, such as if you frequently need to attend meetings or communicate in loud settings.
If your hearing does not significantly impact your daily life, you may not need to wear a hearing aid for now.
However, if it has started to cause difficulties in your daily activities, then a hearing aid may be necessary.
Wishing you peace and good health.
Sincerely,
Dr.
Cheng Jue-Yi
Director, Department of Otolaryngology
Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare

Reply Date: 2013/08/17

More Info

Based on the results of your Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) test, it appears that you have varying degrees of hearing loss in both ears. The thresholds you provided indicate that your right ear has moderate hearing loss, particularly at higher frequencies, while your left ear shows severe hearing loss across most frequencies.
To break it down further, the thresholds you mentioned are as follows:
- Right Ear:
- 250 Hz: 20 dB (normal)
- 500 Hz: 45 dB (moderate loss)
- 1 kHz: 50 dB (moderate loss)
- 2 kHz: 50 dB (moderate loss)
- 4 kHz: 60 dB (moderate to severe loss)
- 8 kHz: 65 dB (severe loss)
- Left Ear:
- 250 Hz: 50 dB (moderate loss)
- 500 Hz: 40 dB (normal to mild loss)
- 1 kHz: 45 dB (moderate loss)
- 2 kHz: 50 dB (moderate loss)
- 4 kHz: 60 dB (moderate to severe loss)
- 8 kHz: 55 dB (moderate to severe loss)
The classification of hearing loss is typically as follows:
- Normal: 0-25 dB
- Mild: 26-40 dB
- Moderate: 41-55 dB
- Moderate-Severe: 56-70 dB
- Severe: 71-90 dB
- Profound: 91 dB and above
Given that your left ear is classified as having severe hearing loss, it is advisable to consider hearing aids. Hearing aids can significantly improve your ability to hear and understand speech, especially in noisy environments. They amplify sound and can be customized to your specific hearing loss profile, making it easier for you to engage in conversations and participate in social activities.

It is also important to note that hearing loss can have a significant impact on your quality of life. It can lead to social isolation, depression, and difficulties in communication. Therefore, addressing hearing loss early with appropriate interventions, such as hearing aids, can help mitigate these risks.

In addition to considering hearing aids, it is essential to follow up with an audiologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. They can provide a comprehensive evaluation of your hearing loss, discuss potential underlying causes, and recommend the most suitable treatment options. They may also conduct additional tests to rule out any other conditions that could be contributing to your hearing difficulties.

In summary, based on your PTA results, it is likely that you would benefit from hearing aids, especially for your left ear, which shows severe hearing loss. It is crucial to seek professional advice to explore your options and ensure that you receive the appropriate support for your hearing needs.

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