Contents
- 1 How to Calculate Hearing Loss Percentage (Step-by-Step Guide + Calculator)
- 1.1 What is Hearing Loss Percentage?
- 1.2 Why is Hearing Loss Percentage Important?
- 1.3 Frequencies Used for Hearing Loss Measurement
- 1.4 Formula to Calculate Hearing Loss Percentage (AMA Method)
- 1.5 Hearing Loss Percentage Chart — Severity Levels
- 1.6 Limitations of Percentage-Based Calculation
- 1.7 🧮 Try It Yourself: Hearing Loss Percentage Calculator
- 1.8 When Should You Use This Calculator?
- 1.9 Conclusion
Hearing Loss Percentage Calculator
Enter your audiogram thresholds (in dB HL) at 500, 1000, 2000 and 3000 Hz to estimate hearing loss percentage using the AMA-based formula.
Left Ear (dB HL)
Right Ear (dB HL)
How to Calculate Hearing Loss Percentage (Step-by-Step Guide + Calculator)
Hearing plays an essential role in our daily lives — from conversations with loved ones, workplace communication, to enjoying music and social gatherings. When hearing ability reduces, even simple interactions can become difficult. To understand the seriousness of hearing impairment, experts often use hearing loss percentage, which helps measure the extent of auditory disability.
Knowing this percentage allows doctors and patients to make decisions regarding treatment, hearing aids, and long-term hearing protection. In this guide, you will learn how hearing loss percentage is calculated, the formulas used, and how to interpret results.
What is Hearing Loss Percentage?
Hearing loss percentage is a numeric representation of how much a person’s hearing ability has decreased compared to normal hearing. It helps audiologists understand how severe the hearing loss is and what rehabilitation may be required — such as digital hearing aids or cochlear implants.
Why is Hearing Loss Percentage Important?
Measuring hearing loss percentage helps in:
✔ Identifying the severity of hearing loss
✔ Deciding whether a hearing aid is required
✔ Tracking hearing ability over time
✔ Planning treatment and rehabilitation
Frequencies Used for Hearing Loss Measurement
To calculate hearing loss percentage, four speech-critical frequencies are tested:
| Frequency (Hz) | Significance |
|---|---|
| 500 Hz | Low-pitch sounds – basic hearing |
| 1000 Hz | Most vowel sounds |
| 2000 Hz | Important for speech clarity |
| 3000 Hz | High frequency — often affected first |
These four values are taken from your audiogram, which we use in the final formula.
Formula to Calculate Hearing Loss Percentage (AMA Method)
Step 1: Find the average hearing threshold
Hearing Loss Percentage Chart — Severity Levels
| % Hearing Loss | Category | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 0–20% | Normal–Mild | Minor difficulty |
| 21–40% | Moderate | Struggle in noise, hearing aids helpful |
| 41–60% | Moderately Severe | Hearing aids recommended |
| 61–80% | Severe | Requires high-power aids/advanced care |
| 81–100% | Profound | Cochlear implant may be needed |
Limitations of Percentage-Based Calculation
Although helpful, percentage alone cannot reflect:
❗ Speech clarity in noisy places
❗ Cognitive listening effort
❗ Real-life communication ability
Therefore, professional audiometric testing is always recommended.
🧮 Try It Yourself: Hearing Loss Percentage Calculator
You can enter your audiogram values and instantly know your hearing loss percentage using the tool below:
👉 (Paste calculator code on your WordPress page — already provided above)
When Should You Use This Calculator?
You may use this tool for:
🔹 Early screening
🔹 Routine monitoring of progressive loss
🔹 Awareness before consultation
🔹 Understanding need for a hearing aid
Conclusion
Calculating hearing loss percentage is a powerful way to measure auditory disability and plan corrective treatment. Whether for early detection or tracking progression, this assessment can guide you toward better hearing health. However, online tools are only an estimate — a hearing test by a certified audiologist is always the most accurate method.
If your hearing loss percent is high or symptoms are increasing, don’t delay — early intervention helps retain more hearing.