Hearing loss is described in terms of the degree of the impact on a person's everyday life. The degree of a person's hearing loss is measured in decibels (dB)
Mild: 21-45 dB
You would have some difficulty hearing soft speech and conversations but would manage in quiet situations with clear voices. A hearing device will assist most hearing problems in this range.
Moderate: 46-65 dB
You would have difficulty understanding conversational speech and more so in the presence of background noise. TV and radio would be turned up. A hearing device will assist most hearing difficulties if speech discrimination is good and background noise low.
Severe: 66-90 dB
Normal conversational speech is inaudible. A hearing device will amplify many speech sounds. The clarity of speech heard is likely to be significantly affected and visual cues will assist in understanding speech.
Profound: 91 dB +
There is great inconsistency in the benefit derived from a hearing device. Some can understand clear speech face to face in places with good auditory conditions when wearing a hearing device. Others find it impossible.
Your audiologist will explain strategies to help you use your hearing device effectively.
