What type of sound signals does a pure-tone audiometer present?

A pure-tone audiometer is designed to present simple sound signals known as pure tones, which consist of a single frequency without any harmonics or overtones. This characteristic makes pure tones particularly useful for assessing an individual's hearing sensitivity at various frequencies. The audiometer systematically tests the ability to hear different pure tones, which is essential for identifying the presence and degree of hearing loss.

Pure tones allow for a focused evaluation of hearing across the audible spectrum, typically including low, mid, and high frequencies. This is critical for outlining hearing capabilities and determining appropriate interventions, such as hearing aids or additional support. The simplicity of pure tones means they are unambiguous and easier for the individual being tested to identify, which is an important factor in audiometric testing.

Other answer choices involve complex sounds, noise, or limitations to specific frequency ranges, all of which do not accurately describe the functionality of a pure-tone audiometer. The tool is specifically calibrated to assess pure tones across a broad spectrum rather than focusing solely on noise or being restricted to certain frequency bands.