Degree of Hearing Loss

Degree of hearing loss refers to the severity of the loss. The numbers are representative of the patient's thresholds, or the softest intensity at which sound is perceived. The following is one of the more commonly used classification systems for pediatric patients:

 Degree of Hearing Loss

 Hearing Loss Range (dB HL)

 Normal

-10 to 15

 Slight

16 to 25

 Mild

26 to 40

 Moderate

41 to 55

 Moderately severe

56 to 70

 Severe

71 to 90

 Profound

91+

Source: Clark, J. G. (1981). Uses and abuses of hearing loss classification. Asha, 23, 493-500.