Table of contents
You had an audiometry test, and the results included decibels, percentages, and terms like “moderate hearing loss” or “sensorineural hearing loss.” What does this mean exactly? Is it serious? Do you need a hearing aid?
These are very common questions, and the answer isn’t always easy to find in one place.
Most people who receive the results of an audiometry test don’t just want to know the degree of their hearing loss. What they really want to understand is its impact on their daily lives, whether the loss could worsen, and, above all, whether it’s time to use hearing aids.
The degree of hearing loss determines your current hearing status, which solutions are most suitable for you, and when it’s advisable to take action before the situation worsens. In some cases, it can also influence access to financial assistance or disability recognition.
In this article we explain how to interpret an audiometry test, what each degree of hearing loss means, and when hearing aids can help you hear better again.
Do you have an audiometry test and don’t know how to interpret it? At Clinicaudio, we review your results, explain what they mean, and advise you on the most suitable options for your case. The hearing assessment is free.
What is hearing loss and how is it measured?
Hearing loss, also known as hypoacusis, is the partial or total reduction of the ability to hear sounds. It can affect one or both ears, appear gradually or suddenly, and have a wide variety of causes.
Among the most frequent are:
- The natural aging of the ear (presbycusis)
- Prolonged exposure to loud noises
- Certain infections
- Genetic factors
- Some ototoxic medications
- Trauma or injuries
Hearing is measured in decibels (dB), a unit that expresses the minimum intensity a person needs to perceive a sound. A person with normal hearing can usually detect sounds between 0 and 25 dB. The higher the volume needed to hear, the greater the degree of hearing loss.
The test that allows it to be measured accurately is tonal audiometry, which evaluates hearing ability at different frequencies and represents the results in a graph called an audiogram.
Hearing loss is not always noticeable.
Many people develop hearing loss so gradually that they adapt without realizing it. They start turning up the TV volume a little more, ask for phrases to be repeated occasionally, or avoid conversations in noisy places. And little by little, they normalize a situation that isn’t normal.
That’s why regular hearing checks are essential, especially from the age of 55 or if there is frequent exposure to noise.
Types of hearing loss
Conductive hearing loss
Sensorineural hearing loss
This is the most common type of hearing loss. It originates in the inner ear, specifically in the hair cells of the cochlea or in the auditory nerve. The most common causes are sensorineural hearing loss, prolonged exposure to noise, and genetic factors. It is generally permanent, although hearing aids can compensate for it very effectively.
Mixed hearing loss
Unilateral hearing loss
It affects only one ear. It can be conductive, sensorineural, or mixed. An extreme example is total deafness, a complete loss of hearing in one ear that requires specialized evaluation.
Degrees of hearing loss. Decibel chart and what it means
Once the audiometry test is performed, the specialist classifies the hearing loss according to the decibels you need to hear. The classification commonly used is based on the criteria of the World Health Organization (WHO):
| Hearing threshold | level | What the person usually notices |
|---|---|---|
| Normal hearing | 0 – 25 dB | Hearing without difficulty |
| Slight loss | 26 – 40 dB | Difficulties in noisy environments. |
| Moderate loss | 41 – 60 dB | Needs frequent repetition |
| Severe loss | 61 – 80 dB | Difficult conversations even face to face |
| Profound hearing loss. | More than 81 dB. | Barely perceives sounds without assistance. |
Important: Ranges may vary slightly depending on the classification used. Definitive diagnosis should always be made by an audiologist.
And what do the percentages mean?
It’s common to hear phrases like “I have 40% hearing loss” or “I’ve lost 60% of my hearing.” However, these percentages don’t directly correspond to decibels.
Percentages are usually calculated from speech audiometry or logoaudiometry and are primarily used in administrative processes related to disability assessment. Two people with the same percentage can have completely different audiograms. Therefore, correctly interpreting an audiometry test requires evaluating all the tests, not just a single number.
What symptoms correspond to each grade?
Slight loss (26–40 dB)
You might find it difficult to follow conversations in restaurants, turn up the TV volume slightly, ask people to repeat themselves, or tire more easily after long meetings. Many people believe they “still hear well” and delay seeking help.
Moderate loss (41–60 dB)
It’s common to have difficulty understanding conversations in noisy environments, frequently ask people to repeat themselves, avoid large gatherings, and begin to feel frustrated when communicating. At this point, quality of life is often significantly affected.
If you also feel like you can hear but can’t quite understand what’s being said, our article on why you can hear but not understand when there’s background noise explains it in detail.
Severe loss (61–80 dB)
It’s common to experience significant difficulties even in face-to-face interactions, needing to read lips to understand better, or avoiding social situations. Daily communication can be very demanding.
Deep loss (more than 81 dB)
It can involve very significant difficulties in perceiving sounds, dependence on powerful hearing aids and, in some cases, the evaluation of other solutions such as cochlear implants.
From what grade is a hearing aid recommended?
This is probably the most important question after having an audiometry test. The answer is that there isn’t a single magic number. It’s not just about how many decibels you’ve lost, but about the impact that loss has on your daily life.
Slight loss (26–40 dB)
Hearing aids aren’t always necessary immediately. However, if you find it difficult to follow conversations, experience fatigue when listening, or avoid certain environments, early fitting may be advisable. Acting promptly facilitates adaptation and helps prevent hearing deprivation, a phenomenon in which the brain gradually loses its ability to process speech when it doesn’t receive adequate auditory stimulation.
Moderate loss (41–60 dB)
This is the stage at which hearing aids are most commonly recommended. The hearing loss clearly affects daily communication, and the results are usually very satisfactory.
Severe loss (61–80 dB)
When hearing loss reaches this level, the use of hearing aids is often practically essential for maintaining fluid communication. It’s common for the person to avoid social situations or experience progressive isolation. In these cases, the sooner the adaptation process begins, the better the outcome usually is. A brain that hasn’t received adequate auditory stimulation for some time may take longer to relearn how to interpret sounds.
Deep loss (more than 80 dB)
Profound hearing loss requires highly specialized evaluation. Depending on the individual case, high-power behind-the-ear hearing aids, specific amplification systems, or a joint evaluation with an otolaryngologist to determine if a cochlear implant is indicated may be recommended. Our article on profound hearing loss and its treatments provides more information on the available options.
Most importantly: two people with the same degree of hearing loss may need different solutions. Lifestyle, work environment, and personal expectations also influence the choice of the most appropriate treatment.
Which hearing aid corresponds to each degree of hearing loss?
Mild to moderate loss
The most commonly used models are the in-the-canal (ITC, CIC or IIC) hearing aids, which are very discreet, fit inside the ear canal, and offer excellent aesthetics, and the RIC or RITE hearing aids, currently the most prescribed, with a receiver in the ear canal, very natural sound quality, and connectivity with phones and other devices.
Moderate to severe loss
Mid-to-high-end RIC hearing aids are generally recommended, with greater amplification capacity, noise reduction and Bluetooth connectivity, and behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, which are more powerful and especially useful when high amplification is needed.
Severe to profound loss
The most common solutions are high-power behind-the-ear hearing aids, specifically designed for significant hearing loss, and in cases where conventional hearing aids do not provide sufficient benefit, the medical team may consider the indication for a cochlear implant.
| Degree of loss | Usual solution |
|---|---|
| Light monitoring | or discreet hearing aid |
| Moderate | Hearing aid recommended. |
| Severe | Medium-high power hearing aid |
| Profound | Powerful hearing aid or cochlear implant. |
If you’d like to learn more about the differences between technologies and price ranges, our guide to hearing aid types offers a comprehensive comparison to help you before making a consultation. And if you’re unsure about the difference between a hearing aid and a sound amplifier, our article on hearing aids vs. amplifiers explains why they’re not the same and when each option is more suitable.
Do you already know your degree of hearing loss but don’t know which hearing aid you need? At Clinicaudio, we analyze your audiometry, answer your questions, and guide you toward the most suitable solutions for your case. The evaluation is free.
Hearing loss and recognized disability
Many people are unaware that certain hearing losses can entitle them to official disability recognition, which allows access to financial aid, tax benefits, or subsidies for the purchase of hearing aids.
In Spain, the assessment of hearing impairment is the responsibility of the evaluation bodies in each autonomous community. To access certain benefits, a disability rating of 33% or higher is required.
The assessment takes into account the results of the tonal and speech audiometry, the involvement of both ears and the scales established in Royal Decree 888/2022.
As a guideline, moderate or severe bilateral hearing loss is the one that most frequently reaches percentages higher than 33%, although each case must be evaluated individually.
If you live in Catalonia and have a recognized disability of 33% or higher, you may be eligible for PUA (Universal Access to Assistance) benefits, which can cover up to €1,400 per hearing aid. Our article on how to obtain hearing aids with PUA benefits explains the entire process step by step.
Frequently asked questions about degrees of hearing loss
What does it mean to have a 40% hearing loss?
A percentage of 40% indicates a significant reduction in hearing ability and usually corresponds to moderate hearing loss. In many cases, hearing aids can significantly improve speech comprehension and quality of life.
At what decibel level do you need a hearing aid?
There is no single threshold. Although hearing aids are generally recommended starting at 40-45 dB, the actual impact of hearing loss on daily life is also taken into account. Someone with 35 dB who works in a highly communicative environment may need a hearing aid sooner than someone with 45 dB in a different context.
What is the difference between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss?
Conductive hearing loss affects the outer or middle ear and can be reversed with medical treatment. Sensorineural hearing loss affects the inner ear or auditory nerve and is usually managed with hearing aids. Mixed hearing loss combines both types.
What percentage of hearing loss is considered a disability?
To obtain official recognition, it is necessary to reach a degree of disability equal to or greater than 33%, according to the assessment carried out by the competent bodies of each autonomous community.
Is there a cure for sensorineural hearing loss?
In most cases, no. However, current hearing aids allow for the recovery of much of the ability to communicate and significantly improve quality of life.
Can hearing loss worsen if left untreated?
Hearing loss itself doesn’t worsen from not wearing hearing aids, but the brain can progressively lose its ability to interpret sounds—a phenomenon known as auditory deprivation. That’s why specialists recommend taking action as soon as possible after diagnosis.
Conclusion
Understanding your degree of hearing loss is much more than interpreting numbers on an audiogram. It’s about understanding how it’s affecting your daily life, what options are available to help you, and when it’s the right time to take action.
What a decibel chart cannot reflect is the effort involved in following a conversation, the tiredness after a meeting, or the insecurity that many people feel when they stop hearing as well as before.
Therefore, beyond the diagnosis, it is important to have the guidance of professionals who can help you make informed decisions.
At Clinicaudio we perform comprehensive hearing assessments free of charge, explain what your audiogram means and guide you on the most suitable solutions for your case and your lifestyle.
Do you have an audiometry test that you don’t know how to interpret, or do you suspect that you might have some degree of hearing loss? Don’t wait for the situation to escalate.
Did you know that hearing loss can also affect your brain health?
Hearing and the brain are much more closely linked than you might think. Several studies have observed that untreated hearing loss can increase the risk of cognitive decline. In our article on the relationship between hearing loss and Alzheimer’s, we explain why taking care of your hearing is also a way of taking care of your memory.
Not sure which hearing solution is right for you?
Choosing a hearing aid depends on many factors: the degree of hearing loss, your lifestyle, your communication needs, and your personal preferences. In our article on hearing aids vs. amplifiers, we analyze the differences to help you make an informed decision before your appointment.
