Degrees of hearing loss

Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) check a person’s ability to hear sounds of different frequency and loudness. These tests are conducted by audiologists. The results of your hearing tests are charted on a graph called an audiogram, which helps to identify the severity and possible causes of your hearing problems.

Your audiogram identifies the following

1. The severity of loss in both ears
2. The type of hearing loss and the possible causes

Hearing loss is measured in decibels (dB). Conversational speech is around 40-65 dB. The degrees of hearing loss include:

• mild (21 – 45 dB) – soft sounds may be difficult to distinguish
• moderate (46 – 60 dB) – conversational speech is hard to hear, especially if there is background noise
• moderately severe (61 – 75 dB) – very difficult to hear ordinary speech
• severe (76 – 90 dB) – conversational speech cannot be heard
• profound (>91 dB) – almost all sounds are inaudible.