Ear and audiology: pure tone average: practice question

A ENT question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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ENT · Ear and audiology: pure tone average

Sample item

For calculating the pure tone average used to grade hearing disability, which frequencies are conventionally averaged?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. 500, 1000 and 2000 Hz

The speech frequencies 500, 1000 and 2000 Hz are averaged to give the pure tone average. Some systems add 3000 or 4000 Hz. This average correlates with ability to understand speech.

Option by option

  • A. 250, 500 and 1000 Hz

    This set includes 250 Hz and omits 2000 Hz.

  • B. 2000, 4000 and 8000 Hz

    These are higher frequencies beyond most speech energy.

  • C. 500, 1000 and 2000 Hz (correct)

    Correct. These are the speech frequencies.

  • D. 125, 250 and 500 Hz

    These are low frequencies outside the usual set.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is C, 500, 1000 and 2000 Hz. The speech frequencies 500, 1000 and 2000 Hz are averaged to give the pure tone average.

Why is "250, 500 and 1000 Hz" not the answer?

This set includes 250 Hz and omits 2000 Hz.

Why is "2000, 4000 and 8000 Hz" not the answer?

These are higher frequencies beyond most speech energy.

Why is "125, 250 and 500 Hz" not the answer?

These are low frequencies outside the usual set.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Ear and audiology: pure tone average in ENT. Some systems add 3000 or 4000 Hz. This average correlates with ability to understand speech.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Ear and audiology: pure tone average?

Learn tuning fork results and audiogram patterns by sketching them. Then use the flashcards and the other ENT questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.