International Licensing Examination (ILE) Practice Test

What does a low pure tone average indicate?

1. No hearing loss is present

2. Severe hearing loss

3. A possible issue with mid-range frequency perception

4. Normal hearing capability in all frequencies

The correct answer is: No hearing loss is present

A low pure tone average signifies that a person's threshold for hearing at lower frequencies is close to the norm, indicating that no significant hearing loss is present in that frequency range. This average typically measures the hearing sensitivity at various low frequencies, which helps determine if there are any underlying issues. It's important to differentiate this from severe hearing loss or issues with mid-range frequency perception, as those would generally show higher thresholds on the pure tone average test. A pure tone average that is classified as low usually means that the individual is able to perceive sounds at lower frequencies adequately. While normal hearing capability in all frequencies suggests complete hearing function without any loss, a low pure tone average focuses specifically on the lower frequency range, which alone may not encompass the complete auditory profile across all frequencies.