Degree of Hearing Loss
Each degree of hearing loss affects daily life differently, from missing soft sounds to full conversations. A professional test shows your level and guides the right treatment. Explore the sections below to learn more.
Compare Degrees of Hearing Loss
Each degree of hearing loss presents unique challenges in daily life. Recognizing which sounds become difficult to hear at each level helps you understand what to expect and when to seek help.
| Level of Hearing Loss | Decibel Range | Symptoms | Sounds You Are Missing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | 0-25 dB | No difficulty hearing conversations | None - can hear whispers and soft sounds |
| Mild | 26-40 dB | Difficulty with soft speech, especially in noise | Whispers, distant conversations, soft music |
| Moderate | 41-70 dB | Need increased TV volume, trouble in groups | Normal conversation, phone calls, doorbells |
| Severe | 71-90 dB | Can only hear loud speech, need hearing aids | Most speech, car horns, and power tools |
| Profound | 91+ dB | Cannot hear most sounds without amplification | Almost all sounds except very loud ones, like sirens |
Reading an audiogram
An audiogram is a chart that shows your hearing test results. It looks like a graph and tells you exactly what sounds you can and cannot hear.
The X-axis
The horizontal line shows frequency (pitch) measured in Hertz (Hz). Shows different frequencies (pitches) from low to high. Speech sounds fall mainly between 500 and 4000 Hz.
The Y-axis
The vertical line shows volume measured in decibels (dB) for you to be heard. The higher on the chart, the louder the sound needs to be.
Seeking Early Treatment for Hearing Loss
Hearing loss often starts small—missing words in conversation, turning up the TV, or struggling in noisy places. Left untreated, it can worsen over time, affecting communication, relationships, and even cognitive health.
The earlier hearing loss is identified, the more options you have to protect and improve your hearing. Early treatment can make daily interactions easier and help you stay connected to the people and activities you enjoy.
Don’t wait until hearing loss holds you back—take the first step today.