What level of hearing loss is identified as severe?

Severe hearing loss is characterized by the inability to hear sounds in a range from 71 to 90 decibels hearing level (dBHL). Individuals with severe hearing loss typically experience significant difficulty understanding speech, even when it is shouted, and may rely on visual cues or amplification devices to aid communication. This classification is essential as it helps healthcare providers and audiologists determine the appropriate intervention measures, such as hearing aids or other assistive listening devices, to support the individual’s hearing needs.

Understanding the severity of hearing loss is crucial for tailoring treatment plans and ensuring effective communication strategies are in place. The other levels of hearing loss fall outside this range, indicating either mild, moderate, or profound loss, which are defined with different dBHL parameters and suggest varying degrees of hearing difficulty.