The document defines different levels of hearing loss based on threshold levels measured in a hearing test. Mild hearing loss occurs between 26-40 dB where soft sounds are difficult to hear but conversation is manageable. Moderate loss is 41-55 dB where background noise makes hearing difficult. Moderately-severe is 56-70 dB where speech clarity is reduced. Severe loss is 71-90 dB where normal speech cannot be heard and loud speech is difficult to understand. Profound loss over 90 dB means even amplified speech is difficult to understand.

2. Hearing Loss
Defined
Understanding Your Diagnosis
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3. If you’ve been
diagnosed with hearing
loss, it is important to
understand what the
results of your hearing
test are actually telling
you.
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4. To discover the
answer, let’s review
some basic terms your
hearing professional
will use to discuss your
degree or level of loss.
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5. When you have a hearing test, the results are
plotted on an audiogram.
The softest sound you are able to hear, at least
50% of the time, is called your threshold.
Normal thresholds for adults are 0-25 dB.
If you have a loss of hearing, your degree of loss
is categorized by your threshold.
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6. Mild
Hearing difficulty will
occur for soft speech and
listening in background
noise. Hearing in quiet is
generally manageable.
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7. Moderate
At this degree of loss, difficulty
hearing conversations will
occur, especially while in
background noise. The
television and radio may also
need to be turned higher.
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8. Moderately-severe
Clarity of speech is
significantly reduced and
the most difficulty will
occur in groups.
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9. Severe
Normal conversation is not
audible. Loud speech is also
difficult to hear or
understand. At this degree of
loss, the person can hear
only if speech is shouted or
amplified for them.
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10. Profound
At this level even
amplified speech is
difficult to understand.
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