Hearing loss is typically classified based on the degree of severity, which is measured in decibels hearing level (dB HL) during an audiometry test. Here’s a breakdown:
| Degree of Hearing Loss | Hearing Threshold (dB HL) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Normal hearing | -10 to 20 dB HL | Can hear soft sounds clearly |
| Mild | 21 to 40 dB HL | May struggle with soft speech or in noisy environments |
| Moderate | 41 to 55 dB HL | Difficulty understanding regular speech |
| Moderately severe | 56 to 70 dB HL | Needs hearing aids for conversation |
| Severe | 71 to 90 dB HL | Can hear only loud sounds; speech recognition is hard |
| Profound | 91+ dB HL | May not hear even loud sounds; relies on visual cues or cochlear implants |