Different degrees of hearing loss
Levels of learing loss
Mild-moderate
Severe
Profound
Hearing loss is often classified by means of different levels and these levels are measured in decibels, or dB. The same definitions are not always used, but the following are among the most common.
On average, the quietest sounds that people can hear with their better ear are between 25 and 40dB. People who suffer from mild hearing loss have some difficulties keeping up with conversations, especially in noisy surroundings.
Moderate
On average, the quietest sounds heard by people with their better ear are between 40 and 70dB. People who suffer from moderate hearing loss have difficulty keeping up with conversations when not using a hearing aid.
On average, the quietest sounds heard by people with their better ear are between 70 and 95dB. People who suffer from severe hearing loss will benefit from powerful hearing aids, but often they rely heavily on lip-reading even when they are using hearing aids. Some also use sign language.
On average, the quietest sounds heard by people with their better ear are from 95dB or more. People who suffer from profound hearing loss are very hard of hearing and rely mostly on lip-reading, and/or sign language. They may hear very loud sounds.