What is the primary purpose of pure-tone audiometry?

Pure-tone audiometry is primarily used to determine the hearing threshold levels of an individual. This assessment involves presenting pure tones at specific frequencies through headphones at various intensities to ascertain the lowest level at which a person can hear and respond to each frequency. The resulting thresholds are plotted on an audiogram, which serves as a comprehensive representation of an individual’s hearing sensitivity across different pitches.

The significance of determining hearing thresholds cannot be understated; it aids in diagnosing the degree and type of hearing loss, whether it's conductive, sensorineural, or mixed. Understanding these thresholds is crucial for audiologists in developing appropriate treatment plans, including hearing aids or other interventions.

While assessing speech comprehension and clarity, evaluating middle ear function, and screening for auditory processing disorders are important aspects of audiological practice, they do not specifically align with the primary aim of pure-tone audiometry. These other assessments utilize different methodologies and tests focused on speech understanding, tympanometry, and auditory processing, respectively, rather than solely measuring hearing thresholds.