Free pure tone average calculator
Turn your audiogram into a clear next step.
Copy the 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz numbers from either ear. You will get the average, what range it falls in, and what to look at next.
- One ear is enough
- No sign-up
- Values stay on your device
Start with either ear
Copy three numbers from your audiogram.
Look for 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz. Enter the dB HL value shown at each frequency.
Which result do you need?
Your numbers
Enter what you see on the chart
Use the air-conduction dB HL values.
No response on the chart? Do not invent a number. Ask the clinic that made the audiogram how to handle that mark.
A number should lead somewhere
Use your result to answer the next question.
The calculator changes its main recommendation based on the range it finds. These are the three routes it can suggest.
Why do I still struggle in noise?
A lower PTA can miss high-frequency problems and difficulty understanding speech in busy places.
Check the missing piece Mild to moderate rangeWhat hearing support fits my needs?
Compare the features, fitting routes, and tradeoffs that matter before choosing a hearing aid.
Compare hearing options Higher averageWhen should I speak to an audiologist?
Know which results, symptoms, and changes deserve a full professional review.
See when to get helpThe calculation
How to calculate a pure tone average
For one ear, add the thresholds at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz, then divide by three. Keep the right and left ears separate.
What the average leaves out
A normal PTA does not always mean hearing feels normal.
The standard PTA does not include 3000, 4000, 6000, or 8000 Hz. It also does not measure speech understanding, hearing in noise, or the type of hearing loss.
A sudden drop in hearing is not a calculator question. Seek prompt medical care.
Need the technical detail?
Check the method behind your result.
The formula, range labels, common questions, and source links are all available below.
Standard PTA and WHO better-ear grade
Standard 3-frequency PTA
This averages 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz separately for each ear. It is a common summary of the core speech-frequency region.
WHO 4-frequency method
This averages 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz for each ear, then grades the better ear. Both ears are needed for a formal WHO better-ear grade.
WHO better-ear ranges: below 20 normal, 20 to under 35 mild, 35 to under 50 moderate, 50 to under 65 moderately severe, 65 to under 80 severe, 80 to under 95 profound, and 95 or higher complete or total hearing loss.
Questions people ask about PTA
How do you calculate a pure tone average?
Add the thresholds at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz for one ear and divide by three. Repeat separately for the other ear.
Which frequencies are used for a PTA?
The standard speech-frequency PTA uses 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz. The WHO method adds 4000 Hz and grades the better ear.
What is a normal pure tone average?
Cutoffs differ by method. ASHA adult descriptors call -10 to 15 dB HL normal and 16 to 25 dB HL slight hearing loss. The WHO better-ear method uses below 20 dB HL for its normal range.
Can I calculate only one ear?
Yes. One ear is enough for a result. Both ears are needed only for a comparison or a formal WHO better-ear grade.
Does this calculator diagnose hearing loss?
No. It summarizes numbers from an existing calibrated audiogram. It does not test hearing or replace clinical interpretation.
Sources and last review date
Formulae and range labels were checked on August 15, 2026 against these sources:
Your numbers are enough to start