Calculate an ASHA speech-frequency PTA3 or WHO survey PTA4 from measured thresholds in dB HL.

Pure-Tone Average Calculator

Calculate a named audiometric average from measured air-conduction thresholds in dB HL. Choose the convention that matches the intended use.

Right ear

Left ear

Complete every required frequency for at least one ear. The calculator will not create a derived missing threshold.

Named Pure-Tone Average Conventions

The ASHA speech-frequency PTA3 is the arithmetic mean of 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz thresholds in dB HL and is commonly used as a cross-check for speech-recognition threshold. The WHO survey PTA4 is the arithmetic mean of 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz thresholds and supports population hearing surveys. These averages have different purposes and should not be silently interchanged.

The calculator requires every frequency in the selected convention for each calculated ear. It provides no derived missing threshold, does not substitute 3000 Hz for 4000 Hz, and does not turn a pure-tone average into a percentage of impairment.

Clinical Limits

Thresholds must come from calibrated audiometry performed and interpreted under the applicable protocol. An average can conceal the shape of an audiogram, asymmetry, conductive components, unreliable responses, or important thresholds outside the averaged frequencies. This calculator does not diagnose hearing loss or determine treatment, fitness for duty, compensation, or disability.

Primary references: ASHA Guidelines for Determining Threshold Level for Speech and WHO Ear and Hearing Survey Handbook.