1. Introduction
Hearing is precious. When even small changes start affecting your daily life like needing the TV volume louder or missing parts of a conversation—it’s time to act. Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) is a simple yet powerful test to check your hearing. Done by trained professionals, it helps find out exactly what’s going on and how to fix it.
What Is Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA)?
Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) is considered the gold standard for hearing tests. It measures how soft a sound can be and still be heard across different pitches (frequencies).
How It Works:
- You sit in a quiet, sound-proof booth.
- Special headphones or a bone vibrator play tones at various frequencies (usually 250–8,000 Hz). You signal when you hear a sound—press a button or raise your hand.
- The results form an “audiogram,” a graph plotting your hearing ability, helping the audiologist spot the type and degree of any hearing loss
Why It’s Valuable:
- Identifies hearing loss type:
- Conductive (sound blocked in outer/middle ear),
- Sensorineural (inner ear or nerve damage),
- Mixed (both types)
Helps plan treatment, gives ear-specific detail, and is painless and safe.
Common Causes of Hearing Issues in Pakistan
Hearing loss can occur for many reasons. Here are the most common:
a. Conductive Hearing Loss:
- Ear infections (otitis media/external)—especially among children—can block sound and damage the ear canal or eardrum.
- Earwax blockages or fluid buildup can muffle hearing; fixable with treatment.
b. Sensorineural Hearing Loss
- Aging (Presbycusis) causes gradual inner ear damage, especially at higher pitches. Very common in older adults.
- Loud noise exposure from traffic, industries, or large gatherings—something many Pakistanis experience daily—can cause lasting hearing loss.
- Ototoxic drugs (like some antibiotics or cancer treatments) can damage your inner ear. Often preventable with proper monitoring.
c. Mixed Causes and Regional Factors in Pakistan
- Genetic factors—such as familial hearing issues play a role. In Bahawalpur, a study showed common causes of childhood hearing loss included mixed types and consanguinity.
- Urban noise pollution is another big factor. A Reddit discussion reflects widespread concern about daily noise exposure in Pakistan leading to hearing problems:
“Ever-increasing air and noise pollution… self-medication… key factors behind the rise in hearing disorders in Pakistan”
When to Get a PTA Test?
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time for a check-up:
- Difficulty hearing in noisy places
- Asking people to repeat themselves often
- Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Feeling like your volume must always be turned up
- Frequent ear infections, especially in children.
What Recovery or Treatment Can Look Like
Your treatment depends on the cause and type of hearing problem:
- Conductive issues: Often improved with medical or surgical treatment (clearing infections or repairing the eardrum).
- Sensorineural loss: Usually permanent, but managed well with hearing aids, cochlear implants, or auditory training.
- Avoid further damage: Reduce noise exposure, follow up on ear health, and monitor high-risk medications.
Early detection through PTA ensures that you get the right help fast—making treatment more effective and life better.
Why Choose a Professional — Dr. Afifa Rahman
Expert care matters. Here’s why Dr. Afifa Rahman is a great choice:
- Qualified Audiologist & Speech Therapist with BS (Hons) from K-E in Lahore and MPhil from Riphah University, Lahore.
- Works at Government Higher Secondary School of Special Education (Hearing Impaired) and runs a Hearing & Speech Therapy Centre.
- Consultant, experienced with a compassionate, patient-friendly approach.
Clinic Details
- Location: Sir Syed Road, near Christian Hospital, Sahiwal.
- Timing: Evening clinic from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
- Contact: 0321-6365720 – call or WhatsApp to schedule your hearing check today!
This info can be included as a “Book Now” or “Contact” section in your article.
Conclusion
Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) is a simple, painless, and reliable test to check your hearing. It helps identify the type and degree of hearing loss—so you and your audiologist can choose the right path forward.
Whether the problem is minor or impacting your life, early testing and expert care bring better results. For anyone in or near Sahiwal, Dr. Afifa Rahman offers accurate PTA testing and customized treatment planning in evening hours—making it easy to book your check-up.
Ready to know your hearing health?
Call or WhatsApp 0321-6365720 to schedule your PTA with Dr. Afifa Rahman today.
