Audiometry Tests Explained: PTA, Impedance, Speech & Free-Field
by Crystal Hearing Solutions
If you’ve been told you need an “audiometry test,” you might be picturing something complicated. In reality it’s a simple, painless set of checks that map exactly how you hear, and there are a few different types, each answering a different question about your ears.
What is an audiometry test? Audiometry is the measurement of your hearing. The most common test is Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA), which finds the softest sounds you can hear across different pitches. Depending on your situation, an audiologist may add impedance (middle-ear) testing, speech audiometry, free-field/aided testing, or objective tests like OAE and BERA.
Quick Answer: The Main Audiometry Tests
Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) maps the softest sounds you can hear at each pitch (your audiogram). Impedance audiometry (tympanometry) checks how your eardrum and middle ear are working, great for spotting fluid or blockages. Speech audiometry measures how clearly you understand words, not just detect tones. Free-field/aided testing checks how well you hear in an open room, often to verify hearing aids. For babies or anyone who can’t respond, objective tests like OAE and BERA are used. Most are quick and completely painless.
The Audiometry Tests at a Glance
| Test | What it measures | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Pure Tone (PTA) | Softest sounds you hear at each pitch (audiogram) | Adults & children who can respond |
| Impedance / Tympanometry | Eardrum & middle-ear function; fluid/pressure | Suspected infections, blockages, glue ear |
| Speech audiometry | How clearly you understand words | Anyone, especially “I hear but can’t understand” |
| Free-field / aided | Hearing in an open room, with/without aids | Verifying hearing aid benefit; young children |
| OAE | Inner-ear (cochlea) response | Newborn screening; quick check |
| BERA / ABR | Hearing nerve & brainstem response | Babies, unexplained/one-sided loss |
Each Test, in Plain English
- Pure Tone Audiometry: you wear headphones and press a button (or raise a hand) each time you hear a beep. It produces your audiogram, the map of your hearing.
- Impedance Audiometry (Tympanometry): a soft probe gently changes air pressure to check how your eardrum moves, excellent for detecting middle-ear fluid, infection or a blockage.
- Speech Audiometry: you repeat words at different volumes, which shows how well you understand speech, key if you “hear but can’t make out words.”
- Free-Field & Aided Audiometry: sounds are played through speakers in a room (not headphones), often to confirm how much your hearing aids are helping.
- Objective tests (OAE & BERA): these measure the ear and hearing nerve automatically, without you needing to respond, ideal for newborns and young children.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
A typical hearing evaluation takes around 30 to 45 minutes. The audiologist first looks in your ears, then runs the relevant tests (usually PTA, often with tympanometry and speech testing). It’s completely painless, no needles, nothing uncomfortable, and you’ll get your results and a clear explanation the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, every standard audiometry test is painless and non-invasive. You’ll just listen to beeps and words, or have a soft probe placed gently in the ear for tympanometry. There are no needles and nothing uncomfortable.
Most adults start with Pure Tone Audiometry, often combined with tympanometry and speech testing for a complete picture. Your audiologist chooses the right combination based on your symptoms and age. You don’t need to decide in advance.
A full evaluation usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, including looking in your ears, the tests themselves, and a discussion of your results. Objective tests for infants can take a little longer because they’re done while the baby sleeps.
No special preparation needed. Avoid loud noise exposure right before the test, and mention any recent cold, ear infection or wax problem. Bring a list of medications and any previous hearing reports if you have them.
Yes, our audiologists can perform a full hearing test at home with portable, calibrated equipment, which is ideal for seniors or anyone who finds travel difficult. A quiet room is all that’s needed.
Book Your Hearing Evaluation
A quick, painless audiometry test gives you a clear picture of your hearing, and peace of mind. Book with our RCI-certified audiologists across our 10+ clinics in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane, or request a home visit.