Degree of Hearing Loss

 

This refers to the severity of the loss. The table below shows one of the more commonly used classification systems.  The numbers are representative of the patients’ hear loss range in decibels (dB HL).  (Decibels are units to measure sound levels.)

 

 

Degree of hearing loss

Hearing loss range (dB HL)

Normal

–10 to 15

Slight

16 to 25

Mild

26 to 40

Moderate

41 to 55

Moderately severe

56 to 70

Severe

71 to 90

Profound

91+

Source: Clark, J. G. (1981). Uses and abuses of hearing loss classification.Asha, 23, 493–500.

 

 

Mild hearing loss:

Speech can be difficult to understand, especially if background noises are present.

 

Moderate hearing loss:

A hearing aid may be required.

 

Severe hearing loss:

Hearing aids are useful in some cases, but are inadequate in others. Some individuals with severe hearing loss communicate principally through sign language; others rely on lip-reading techniques.

 

Profound hearing loss:

Like those with severe hearing loss, some individuals with profound hearing loss communicate principally through sign language; others rely on lip-reading techniques.