What Level Of Hearing Loss Requires A Hearing Aid?
Hearing loss is a common condition that can affect people of all ages. Whether you need a hearing aid depends on the degree of the hearing loss and how it impacts your daily life. While an appliance like a hearing aid may not be essential for those with minor deficiencies in the ability to hear, most patients with mild to severe hearing loss require it to enhance sound perception and improve communication.
Let’s look deeper into how hearing loss is measured, the different levels of hearing loss, and what level of hearing loss requires a hearing aid
How is the Severity of Hearing Loss Measured?
The severity and degree of hearing loss are measured using a hearing test, popularly known as audiometry, conducted by an audiologist. During this test, the lowest level of sounds an individual can hear is measured in decibels (dB HL) at different frequencies. The normal hearing range in dB typically falls between 0 and 25 decibels, allowing individuals to hear everyday sounds without difficulty. The more decibels a person needs to hear a sound, the more severe their hearing loss is.
Audiologists use decibels and hearing loss charts to categorize hearing ability into different levels, from normal to profound hearing loss. Some common audiometry tests include pure-tone testing, bone conduction testing, speech testing, etc. These assessments enable audiologists to determine the extent of hearing loss and advise on the required solution.
What Are the Different Levels/Degrees of Hearing Loss?
Audiologists divide the degree of hearing loss into five main categories: mild, moderate, moderately severe, severe, and profound.
Mild Hearing Loss
A person with mild hearing loss can hear sounds in the range of 26–40 dB. This means they can hear normal speech but may struggle in noisy environments. The mildly affected may tend to miss the softer sounds, including whispered conversations and background noises. In a noisily loud environment, they would most often ask for repetition.
Hearing Aids: Mild hearing loss may require hearing aids depending on how hearing loss affects one’s overall lifestyle. If it affects your ability to communicate or participate in other social activities, it can be a good idea to get one.
Moderate Hearing Loss
Moderate-level hearing loss refers to the inability of a person to hear sounds between 41 and 55 decibels.Individuals with moderate hearing loss find it hard to hear conversations, especially in groups. They may constantly increase the volume of the TV or their phones.
Hearing Aids: Hearing aids are typically prescribed for moderate hearing loss. Their use will dramatically enhance speech understanding and reduce the need to ask others to speak louder or repeat statements that have been made.
Moderately Severe Hearing Loss
This level of hearing loss ranges between 56-70 dB. In such cases, conversational speech is difficult to follow without some form of amplification, even in a very quiet setting. Individuals with moderately severe hearing loss often rely on lip reading or face-to-face communication primarily to understand what is said.
Hearing Aids: Hearing aids are essential at this level, as they provide the amplification needed to make speech and other important sounds audible.
Severe Deafness
Severe hearing loss is categorised by a 71-90 dB hearing range. At this stage, individuals are unable to hear most sounds without significant amplification. Everyday sounds, such as conversations, doorbells, or even alarms, might be inaudible. Communication without hearing aids or other assistive devices can be extremely challenging.
Hearing Aids: An extremely powerful hearing aid, or even a cochlear implant, may be recommended to help them regain hearing abilities and speech perception.
Profound Hearing Loss
A person suffering from severe hearing loss will be unable to hear any sound below 90 dB, which signifies the maximum degree of hearing loss. In profound hearing loss, communication becomes extremely difficult as most sounds become inaudible. Patients may also find it hard to understand speech, even with amplification.
Hearing Aids: Patients with profound hearing loss may require cochlear implants, as an ordinary hearing aid would not be capable of amplifying sound to the extent that they can hear properly.
The following decibels and hearing loss chart present a summary of degrees of hearing loss, the hearing loss range in dB HL, and which level requires a hearing aid:
| Degree of Hearing Loss | Hearing Loss Range (dB HL) | Hearing Aid Required |
|---|---|---|
| Normal Hearing | 0-25 dB | Not needed |
| Mild Hearing Loss | 26-40 dB | Sometimes |
| Moderate Hearing Loss | 41-55 dB | Yes |
| Moderately Severe Hearing Loss | 56-70 dB | Yes |
| Severe Hearing Loss | 71-90 dB | Yes, possibly a cochlear implant |
| Profound Hearing Loss | 91+ dB | Yes, usually a cochlear implant |
Take the Hearing Loss Test Today at QHC
Are you experiencing hearing difficulties? If yes, it’s time to get tested by a professional.
At Quality Hearing Care (QHC), we offer a comprehensive hearing loss test to accurately measure your hearing levels and identify the best solutions for your needs. Our experienced audiologists will conduct a diagnostic evaluation of your hearing and help decide if a hearing aid is necessary based on the findings. You can also take our convenient online hearing test, a quick and user-friendly tool designed to identify potential hearing issues in just a few minutes.
Get screened for hearing loss today at QHC and take that first step toward reviving your hearing abilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I live a normal life with moderate hearing loss?
Absolutely, with proper treatment and tools like hearing aids, an individual can live a normal life with moderate hearing loss. Hearing aids help amplify the sound so you can easily communicate and perform other daily activities.
How are hearing levels measured?
Hearing levels are measured through an audiometry test in decibels (dB HL). The test measures how soft a sound needs to be for you to hear it at various pitches, determining your level of hearing loss
What is acceptable hearing loss?
The normal hearing range in db is 0–25. Any level above that will require medical attention or the use of hearing aids.
How do you know if hearing loss is serious?
Serious hearing loss implies a tendency to ask people to repeat themselves frequently, difficulties following conversations, or frequently raising the volume from electronic devices to very high levels. A hearing test with audiologists can confirm the degree of your hearing loss and help guide appropriate treatment options.