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What does hearing loss mean?
This information was provided currtesey of GN ReSounds. Find full details at www.gnresound.com/hearing
Your hearing is measured in a scale of decibels (dB) compared to ‘normal’ hearing. This scale is used to evaluate whether you have hearing loss, and if so, to what degree.
During your hearing examination, your hearing care professional will test your hearing and present the results in an audiogram (see below).
Levels of hearing loss
This scale shows different levels of hearing loss (HL).
Normal hearing (<25dB HL)
Mild (26-40dB HL)
You have trouble hearing or understanding soft speech and whispers, or speech over background noise
Moderate (41-55 dB HL)
You have trouble hearing or understanding regular speech up close or regular speech in a quiet office environment
Moderately severe (56-70 dB HL)
You have trouble hearing or understanding everyday conversations or a telephone ringing
Severe (71-90 dB HL)
You can only hear loud sounds such as very loud speech, sirens or a door slamming
Profound (90+ dB HL)
You have trouble hearing sounds such as a motorbike or power tools
The degree of hearing loss is an important factor when choosing hearing aids. Not all hearing aids will suit all degrees of hearing loss. Read more about modern hearing aids.
The audiogram
This is a typical audiogram for a person with normal hearing:
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And this is a typical audiogram for a person with age-related hearing loss:
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Your hearing healthcare professional uses the data from your audiogram to determine if you might benefit from hearing aids or if other medical treatment may be appropriate.
Take our online hearing evaluation to get an indication if you have hearing loss. It only takes a minute or find your local hearing care professional.