Hearing levels range from normal hearing to profound hearing loss. Most people with hearing loss have a “sloping” hearing loss that is usually worse for higher-pitched sounds (such as bells and whistles). For example, a hearing loss might be described as “mild to severe,” meaning a milder hearing loss for low-pitched sounds and a severe hearing loss in the higher pitches. All degrees of hearing loss have an impact on communication.

Mild Hearing Loss

People with mild hearing loss hear well in many situations but struggle with soft speech or speech at a distance.  A frequent complaint with mild hearing loss is, “I can hear but I can’t understand.”  Hearing aids are often but not always recommended with a mild hearing loss.

Moderate Hearing Loss

Most conversational speech is difficult to hear. Family and friends must often repeat themselves and speak louder to be heard, which causes stress in the relationship. The volume on the television must be turned up louder to hear. Hearing in churches and meetings is difficult. Hearing aids are typically recommended for a moderate hearing loss.

Moderately-Severe Hearing Loss

Conversational speech cannot be heard. Family members must speak from a very close distance and at very loud levels to be heard. Even then, speech may not be clear. Hearing aids are strongly recommended.

Severe Hearing Loss

Speech cannot be heard without hearing aids. Even with hearing aids, speech may not be clear. Visual cues and face-to-face conversation are essential for speech understanding.

Profound Hearing Loss

Speech and most environmental sounds, even loud sounds like airplanes and fire alarms, cannot be heard without hearing aids or cochlear implants. Even with hearing aids, people with profound hearing loss require visual cues and face-to-face communication whenever possible.


 

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