Hearing Loss (PTA)
Pure-tone average 500–1k–2k Hz and a standard U.S. clinical severity label.
About this calculator
Pure-tone average (PTA) is calculated by averaging your hearing threshold levels at 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, and 2,000 Hz -- the three frequencies that carry most of the information in normal speech, which is why this three-frequency average (sometimes called the speech-frequency PTA) is a widely used clinical shorthand for how much a hearing loss is likely to affect everyday conversation. Each of the three input frequencies contributes equally to PTA: raising your threshold at 500 Hz, 1 kHz, or 2 kHz by a given number of decibels raises your PTA by exactly that amount divided by three, since the calculation is a simple unweighted average, not a formula that favors any one frequency.
The Severity output classifies your PTA using the standard severity bands widely used in American clinical audiology practice (Normal, Mild, Moderate, Moderately Severe, Severe, Profound) -- this is NOT the World Health Organization's own hearing-loss grading system, which uses a different frequency set and different decibel cutoffs, so if your audiologist's report cites a WHO grade, expect the label to differ from what this calculator shows even for the identical measured thresholds. This calculator only computes the arithmetic average and applies a severity label to it -- it does not diagnose the type or cause of hearing loss (conductive, sensorineural, or mixed), predict hearing aid benefit, or replace a full audiological evaluation, all of which require an audiologist's clinical judgment beyond a single averaged number.
Medical Disclaimer
This calculator is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of results from this tool.
Inputs
Results
PTA (0.5-2k)
35 dB HL
How to Use This Calculator
- Obtain your audiogram results from a licensed audiologist.
- Enter the hearing threshold values (in dB HL) at 500 Hz, 1 kHz, and 2 kHz.
- The calculator averages those three frequencies to produce your Pure-Tone Average (PTA) — the standard speech-frequency PTA.
- Review the severity category (Normal, Mild, Moderate, Moderately Severe, Severe, or Profound) shown in the output.
- Share the PTA result with your audiologist when discussing hearing aid candidacy — ask which severity scale their own report uses, since the WHO's grading bands differ from this one.
How the result changes with dB @ 2 kHz
| dB @ 2 kHz | PTA (0.5-2k) |
|---|---|
| 23 | 27.7 dB HL |
| 34 | 31.3 dB HL |
| 68 | 42.7 dB HL |
| 113 | 57.7 dB HL |
What each input means
- dB @ 500 Hz
- Air conduction hearing threshold at 500 Hz from your audiogram.
- dB @ 1 kHz
- Air conduction hearing threshold at 1000 Hz from your audiogram.
- dB @ 2 kHz
- Air conduction hearing threshold at 2000 Hz from your audiogram.
What each result means
- PTA (0.5-2k)
- Pure-tone average across 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz -- the speech frequency range.
- Severity (Clinical Scale)
- Hearing loss classification using the standard U.S. clinical severity bands (Normal/Mild/Moderate/Moderately Severe/Severe/Profound) commonly used in American audiology practice. This is NOT the WHO's own grading system, which uses different dB cutoffs -- check with your audiologist which scale their report uses.
How this is calculated
Worked example, using the default values
- Identify Input ParametersdB @ 500 Hz = 25, dB @ 1 kHz = 35, dB @ 2 kHz = 45 = 3 input(s) provided
- Calculate PTAPTA = pta35 = 35
- Calculate SeverityMild = Mild
Engine last updated . Checked against 2 independently-derived tests — how we verify calculators. Built by Paul Gunder, a software engineer, not a licensed financial, medical, or legal professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are 500 Hz, 1 kHz, and 2 kHz used instead of other frequencies?
These three frequencies carry most of the acoustic information used in everyday spoken conversation, which is why this three-frequency average -- sometimes called the speech-frequency PTA -- is a widely used clinical shorthand for estimating how much a hearing loss is likely to affect understanding speech, as opposed to a full audiogram covering the entire tested frequency range.
Do all three frequencies count equally toward my PTA?
Yes -- PTA here is a simple unweighted average of your three threshold values, so a one-decibel change at 500 Hz, 1 kHz, or 2 kHz shifts your overall PTA by exactly a third of a decibel each time. None of the three gets extra influence over the other two in this calculation.
Is the Severity label the same as a WHO hearing loss grade?
No -- the Normal/Mild/Moderate/Moderately Severe/Severe/Profound bands used here reflect the standard severity classification widely used in American clinical audiology practice, not the World Health Organization's own grading system, which uses a different frequency set and different decibel cutoffs. If your audiologist's report cites a specific grading system, ask which one it uses before comparing it directly to this calculator's label.
Can this calculator tell me what type of hearing loss I have?
No -- it only averages your three threshold values and applies a severity label based on that number. It can't distinguish conductive hearing loss (often from outer or middle ear problems) from sensorineural hearing loss (inner ear or nerve-related) or a mix of both, which requires additional audiological testing like bone-conduction thresholds and tympanometry.
Should I make hearing aid or treatment decisions based on this calculator alone?
No -- this is a quick reference calculation, not a diagnostic tool or a substitute for a full audiological evaluation. Share your PTA and severity result with a licensed audiologist, who can interpret it alongside your full audiogram, speech testing, and other findings before recommending treatment or hearing aid candidacy.
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