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Degree of hearing loss
If you think that you might have some degree of hearing loss, you’re probably wondering how serious it is. Here you’ll find information about the different levels of hearing loss and how you can seek treatment, no matter what level of hearing loss you may have.
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Compare degrees of hearing loss
The severity of your hearing loss is usually measured in two ways:
- Loudness: How loud does a sound need to be in order for you to hear it?
- Pitch: Which frequencies are difficult for you to hear?
Below are the main categories for hearing loss levels with examples of sounds that might be inaudible at a given level (based on their loudness and pitch.)
| Level of hearing loss | Decibel | Symptoms | Sounds you are missing |
| Normal hearing | ≤20 dB | No perceived hearing loss symptoms | No sounds missing |
| Mild hearing loss | 21-40 dB | Quiet and soft conversation and situations with background noise are difficult to understand | Ticking clock |
| Moderate hearing loss | 41-70 dB | When you have a moderate hearing loss, the quietest sounds you can hear with your better ear are between 41 and 70 dB. Higher volume levels are required for radio and TV. | Vacuum cleaner |
| Severe hearing loss | 71-95 dB | When you have a severe hearing loss, the quietest sounds you can hear with your better ear are between 71 and 95 dB. Difficulties with speech and group conversations, comprehension is impossible without amplification. | Baby crying |
| Profound hearing loss | ≥95 dB | When you have a profound hearing loss, the quietest sounds you can hear with your better ear are 95 dB or more. Difficult or impossible to hear and understand amplified devices or speech. | Aeroplanes |
3 ways to understand the severity of your hearing loss
Book a free hearing test
Get a free hearing test at a clinic near you to assess the severity of your hearing loss.
Book a free hearing test
Take the online hearing test
Our online hearing test will give you an idea of how well you can hear.
Start online hearing test
Recognise hearing loss signs
Understanding the common signs of hearing loss will help with early detection.
Signs of hearing loss
Online hearing test
Our free online hearing screening test only takes five minutes, and you'll get your results straightaway. Please fill in your contact information so we can send you the results.
Question 1 of 1
Have you taken an online hearing test before?
Reading an audiogram
An audiogram is a graph or chart that displays the results of your comprehensive hearing evaluation.
The X-axis shows the different pitches of the sounds that were played to you during your test. This axis is laid out like piano keys, where low-pitched sounds are on the left and higher pitches are towards the right.
The Y-axis shows the loudness which increases as you go down the graph. The points on the graph demonstrate how loud the sounds need to be in order for you to hear at each pitch test.
Circles (red) represent your right ear and crosses (blue) represent your left ear.
Book a free hearing test to receive your own audiogram results.
Seek early treatment for hearing loss
Gradual hearing loss is fairly common in the ageing process. But this doesn’t mean that it should be ignored!
Since even mild hearing loss is associated with cognitive decline and other consequences of untreated hearing loss, all hearing loss should be treated with hearing aids or other treatment options.
Treating all degrees of hearing loss
If you think you have hearing loss but you’ve been putting off getting a hearing aid, you’re not alone.
Only 1 in 4 people who could benefit from hearing devices actually use them
Taking that first step can be the hardest part, but seeking treatment as soon as possible is important. The Scripps Research Institute has found that hearing loss, when left undiagnosed or untreated, can get worse over time. Being proactive and seeking treatment in the early stages of hearing loss can have a positive impact on your current and long-term hearing health.
5 steps to better hearing
1. Know what the signs of hearing loss are
Signs of hearing loss
2. Book a free hearing test at your local clinic
Book hearing test
3. Try a hearing aid for 60 risk-free days if we find a hearing loss
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4. Learn about different payment and protection plans
Hearing aid finance
5. Hear well and live well. Receive free, unlimited aftercare
Aftercare
Invisible hearing solutions
Today’s hearing aids are more technologically advanced and discreet than ever.
Some modern hearing aids are practically invisible, but they still give you excellent sound quality even in difficult listening situations.
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FAQ about hearing loss levels
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People with mild to profound hearing loss can benefit from using hearing aids. But hearing loss is a complex medical condition that is unique to each person. And it can also change over time. Because even mild hearing loss is associated with cognitive decline, all hearing loss should be treated with hearing aids or other hearing loss treatment options. Understanding the different types of hearing loss is the first step towards finding the right treatment.
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Knowing how to recognise the signs and symptoms of hearing loss is a great first step in your journey. This will help you to be aware of your own symptoms so that you know when it’s time to seek professional advice. The earlier you seek help, the more effective the treatment can be. We encourage you to speak with one of our experts as soon as you begin to notice signs of hearing loss.
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Having your hearing tested by a hearing care professional is the only way to confirm whether or not you have hearing loss. But there are online hearing screening tests available which can give you an indication of whether you might have hearing loss. Our online hearing test uses background noise, tone tests, and self-evaluation questions to give you an indication of how well you can hear. Take our online hearing test
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If your hearing loss is caused by changes in your outer or middle ear, or if you have a single-sided profound hearing loss in one ear and good hearing in the other, a bone anchored hearing solution might be the best option for you. Alternatively, if you have a severe or profound hearing loss in your inner ear, then a cochlear implant might be the best option for you. Bone anchored hearing systems send sound directly into your inner ear by delivering sound vibrations through the bone, bypassing the outer and middle ear. A cochlear implant bypasses the non-functioning part of the inner ear and sends sound straight to the auditory nerve and on to the brain. This is different from traditional hearing aids that instead amplify the sounds, which at some point might not have the desired effect.
Unlike hearing aids, both hearing solutions involve surgery. However, they are well proven and routine medical procedures performed by Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) surgeons.
