Hearing Loss Is Generally Classified Into Four Categories

Hearing loss is usually categorized into four categories used to identify the level of loss a patient is experiencing.  The four levels of hearing loss are identified as mild, moderate, severe and profound.  Each level of hearing loss has unique characteristics and each can benefit, with varying results, in the use of hearing aid devices.  Custom programmable hearing aids can benefit, to some degree, all four categories of hearing loss.

Mild hearing loss is the least significant of the levels of hearing loss and is experienced, to some degree, by most people as they get older.  Mild hearing loss is diagnosed when a patient experiences problems with sound levels between 30 to 40 decibels or less.  Symptoms of mild hearing loss include difficulty following conversations if people are not close to the patient, complaints that others are whispering or mumbling and children inexplicably having sudden difficulty hearing the teacher from the back of the classroom.  Treatments for mild hearing loss depend on the cause.  Some levels of mild hearing loss are caused by a buildup of wax in the ear or, in children, otitis media or infection in the middle ear.  If mild hearing loss has a cause not medically treatable, hearing aids may be recommended.  

Moderate hearing loss is the next level of hearing loss.  Moderate hearing loss is categorized by the patient’s loss of clear hearing of sounds between approximately 40 to 70 decibels or less.  A patient experiencing moderate hearing loss would experience difficulty hearing clearly with background noise and will generally need to wear hearing aids to hear normal conversation clearly.

Severe hearing loss is experienced by patients who have difficulty with noise levels between 70 and 90 decibels or less.  This type of hearing loss will generally cause the patient to be able to hear someone speaking but usually can’t make out the words unless they are watching the lips of the person talking.  Without the significant assistance of hearing aids, someone with severe hearing loss may not be able to follow even loud conversations.  Digital hearing aids specifically programmed for an audiogram result indicating severe hearing loss would benefit the patient significantly.

Profound hearing loss is generally indicated by patients who are unable to hear sounds of 90 or more decibels.  This type of patient typically can only hear extremely loud sounds and as you would expect experiencing difficulty hearing or follow conversations.  New types of digital hearing aids for profound losses can help enormously.  Additional assistance, such as lip reading or sign language training, would also be indicated for patients with profound hearing loss.

Regardless of the level of hearing loss, hearing aids can be of significant assistance to patients.  Digital hearing aids, programmed with a specific audiogram to follow, can allow patients to experience better hearing.  Any patient who suspects they are experiencing any level of hearing loss should make an appointment with a hearing professional to see how much they can be helped.

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