Home / Ask An Audiologist: What Level of Hearing Loss Requires a Hearing Aid?
If you’ve noticed a change in your hearing (or that of a family member), the question is bound to come up: what level of hearing loss requires a hearing aid? At what point is an intervention necessary?
Your first step should always be to book a hearing assessment. Only an audiologist can ascertain your exact level of loss and guide you through your options accordingly. Once you’re armed with information, you can start asking questions like… do you need hearing aids for mild hearing loss?
Before we answer, let’s first take a moment to understand what the different categories actually mean. It’s always better to make any decision from a place of knowledge rather than guesswork or fear. Hearing loss is categorized by how loud a sound needs to be before you hear it, and there are four main classifications: mild, moderate, severe, and profound.
This is the most extreme level. If your loss is profound, chances are you are not able to hear the majority of sounds – anything under 90 dB. (About the volume of a motorcycle engine.) Without assistive technology and other support, communication is very difficult.
The question for many people when they’re diagnosed is often, “Do I need a hearing aid for mild hearing loss?” The answer to that, maybe surprisingly, is maybe! Even with a very mild degree of loss, hearing aids can have a lot of potential benefits. Getting that extra support helps lessen your listening fatigue because you don’t have to work as hard and concentrate as intently to hear conversations.
As your loss progresses, the difficulty of communication and navigating the noisy world can become very socially isolating. This makes the need for a supportive device even more pressing. Reduced hearing ability can severely affect your well-being, so it’s really not worth delaying!
We believe that everyone deserves the best possible hearing experience. That’s why we’ve put together our curated range of supportive devices to help you find the one that’s right for you. Our team of compassionate audiologists provides premium care, conducting thorough evaluations and working with you to create a personalized plan. We even offer in-home appointments to ensure you get the highest standard of care!
Now that you know what level of hearing loss requires a hearing aid, it’s time to get your checkup and make proactive choices for your future. Don’t wait! Book a hearing assessment with our team of specialists today.
It depends on the underlying cause. If the loss is due to earwax buildup or an infection, for example, it is more likely to be reversible.
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