During a hearing test, what is the role of pure-tone audiometry?

Pure-tone audiometry plays a crucial role in assessing an individual's hearing sensitivity across a range of different frequencies. This method involves presenting pure tones of specific frequencies and intensities to the listener, who then indicates whether they can hear each tone. The results help to create an audiogram, which provides a visual representation of an individual's hearing ability. This assessment is fundamental in diagnosing the type and degree of hearing loss, guiding further management and treatment options.

In contrast to the other options, pure-tone audiometry does not evaluate speech understanding or auditory processing capabilities directly. It focuses solely on the detection of pure tones rather than complex sounds or speech. While it can provide some insight into changes in tympanic membrane function indirectly, this is not its primary function. Therefore, the specific aim of pure-tone audiometry centers on evaluating sensitivity to sound at varying frequencies, making it vital in the field of audiology.