Degrees of Hearing Loss: What Your Hearing Loss Chart (dB) Tells You

Understanding your hearing health can feel a bit overwhelming, especially when faced with an in-depth chart and various terms like decibels (dB) and degrees of deafness. Luckily, our expert team is here to make it simpler for you.

Knowing how to read your chart and understand the degrees of hearing loss helps you make informed choices about treatments like hearing aids – and can motivate you to keep up with regular checkups.

Assessment Basics: Volume & Frequency

Assessment Basics: Volume & Frequency

Deafness is commonly assessed in two main ways:

  1. Volume – This is measured in decibels (dB) and shows how loud a sound must be for you to hear it. People with auditory issues might need sounds to be much louder to detect them, especially in specific environments.
  2. Frequency – This indicates which pitches are difficult for you to hear. For example, higher-pitched sounds, like birds chirping, may be harder to detect for some, while lower pitches, like a drumbeat, might be clear.

The chart used is known as an audiogram, and it maps out your strengths and areas of difficulty, creating a unique “sound profile” just for you.

Decibel Levels Explained

Decibel Levels Explained

The following chart outlines the degrees of hearing loss by dB level, with examples of sounds at each level for reference:
Degree of Hearing Loss Decibel Range (dB) Example Sounds
Normal Hearing 0-25 dB Whispering, rustling leaves
Mild Hearing Loss 26-40 dB Soft speech, refrigerator hum
Moderate Hearing Loss 41-55 dB Regular speech, air conditioning unit
Moderately Severe 56-70 dB City traffic, loud conversation
Severe Hearing Loss 71-90 dB Shouting, vacuum cleaner
Profound Hearing Loss 91+ dB Airplane engines, rock concerts
What Are the Five Levels of Hearing Loss?

What Are the Five Levels of Hearing Loss?

When you look at your audiogram, the decibel (dB) levels show how much loss is present, guiding you in understanding the severity and impact.

  • Mild (26-40 dB): You might have difficulty understanding soft speech or sounds clearly in noisy environments.
  • Moderate (41-55 dB): Conversations may sound muffled, making it hard to follow group discussions.
  • Moderately Severe (56-70 dB): Understanding speech becomes a struggle, even in quiet settings.
  • Severe  (71-90 dB): Speech is very hard to hear, even with loud sounds.
  • Profound (91+ dB): Everyday sounds are difficult or impossible to hear without hearing aids.

 

The higher the dB hearing level on your chart, the more you may rely on visual cues, like reading lips, and the more likely aids or other assistive devices can help you.

Effective Treatment Options

Effective Treatment Options

At Hearwell Services, we offer a wide range of hearing aids to suit various degrees of hearing loss. Our devices range from discreet in-the-ear models to powerful behind-the-ear options, all designed to help you hear better in different environments.

Each type of device is tailored to your specific needs, whether you experience mild or severe hearing loss, and helps to restore the sounds you’re missing in everyday conversations, activities, and beyond.

Maintaining Your Hearing Health

Maintaining Your Hearing Health

Regular checkups are important and can significantly improve your detection and management of key changes. We offer in-home testing and face-to-face aid fittings, making it easier for you to take steps toward better hearing health. Routine evaluations help us catch any shifts in your audio ability early so we can recommend the best devices or solutions that fit your lifestyle.

Book an Expert Assessment with Hearwell Services

If you have any hearing aid complaints, schedule an appointment with a HearWell Services specialist. We’ll make sure your devices are fitted, set up, and tailored to your needs. If it’s not working for you, we’ll help you find a comfortable and functional alternative—because you deserve nothing less!
Did you know that 50% to 90% of users report positive experiences? We’re thrilled you’re one of them! If you encounter any issues or discomfort with your devices, don’t hesitate to reach out to the HearWell team. We’re here to help you on your journey to better hearing!
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