Hearing loss is measured in decibels (dB) and generally grouped into the following ranges:
Normal hearing (<20dBHL)
You can hear quiet sounds, although it is possible to have hearing difficulties, even if your hearing is in this range.
Mild hearing loss (20 – 40dBHL)
You typically struggle with quiet conversation and when you’re in noisy surroundings, you find it more difficult to understand what is being said.
Moderate hearing loss (41 – 70dBHL)
You typically need the TV and radio volume turned up in order to hear it, and you struggle with normal conversation and especially when you’re in a group of people talking.
Severe hearing loss (71 – 95dBHL)
You typically struggle to hear any conversation, and understanding what is being said in a group environment or without any amplification is virtually impossible.
Profound hearing loss (>95dBHL)
Typically it’s difficult or impossible for you to hear and understand speech and amplified devices.
Your audiologist will be able to advise you on the level of your hearing loss and will show you your loss on a graph called an audiogram. Hearing tests are painless and non-invasive. Find out more about what to expect when you have a hearing test.