Degrees of Hearing Loss: Mild to Profound Explained
Key takeaways
- Hearing loss is classified into degrees: mild (26–40 dB), moderate (41–55 dB), moderately severe (56–70 dB), severe (71–90 dB), and profound (91+ dB).
- Even mild hearing loss can affect communication, particularly in noisy environments.
- The degree of hearing loss helps determine which treatment options — hearing aids, cochlear implants, or other devices — may be most appropriate.
- Degree of loss is only one factor; the type of loss, speech recognition ability, and lifestyle also influence treatment decisions.
- An audiologist can assess your degree of hearing loss and recommend appropriate next steps.
When an audiologist evaluates your hearing, they describe the results not just as "hearing loss" but in terms of degree — how much hearing loss you have. Understanding the degree of your hearing loss helps explain what sounds you may be missing, how it affects your daily life, and what treatment options are most appropriate.
The degrees of hearing loss
Hearing loss is classified by the softest sounds you can hear, measured in decibels hearing level (dB HL). The following classifications are widely used in audiology, based on the work of Clark (1981) and adopted by professional organizations including ASHA.1,2 Hearing loss is also among the most prevalent chronic conditions globally: the World Health Organization estimates that over 1.5 billion people worldwide live with some degree of hearing loss, with 430 million requiring rehabilitation services.3
Normal
-10 to 25 dB HLYou can hear very soft sounds. Typical conversational speech is easily audible.
Mild
26–40 dB HLYou may miss soft speech or have difficulty in noisy environments. Consonants may be harder to hear. Many people with mild loss are unaware of it.
Moderate
41–55 dB HLConversational speech at normal volume is difficult without hearing aids. You may frequently ask people to repeat themselves.
Moderately severe
56–70 dB HLLoud speech is needed for understanding. Group conversations and phone calls are very challenging.
Severe
71–90 dB HLOnly very loud sounds are audible without amplification. Hearing aids are typically necessary for communication.
Profound
91+ dB HLVery little or no hearing without amplification. Cochlear implants may be considered for appropriate candidates.
Degree of loss and treatment options
The degree of hearing loss is one of the most important factors in determining which treatment options are appropriate:
- •Mild to moderate loss: Hearing aids are typically the first-line treatment. Many people with mild loss benefit significantly from amplification, even if they feel they are "managing."
- •Moderately severe to severe loss: Hearing aids remain the primary treatment. More powerful devices may be needed. Assistive listening devices can supplement hearing aids.
- •Profound loss: Hearing aids may provide some benefit, but cochlear implants are often considered for adults and children with profound sensorineural hearing loss who do not benefit sufficiently from hearing aids.
Degree is not the whole picture
The degree of hearing loss is important, but it is only one piece of the picture. Two people with the same degree of loss may have very different experiences depending on:
- •The type of hearing loss (sensorineural, conductive, or mixed)
- •The configuration of loss (which frequencies are affected)
- •Speech recognition ability
- •Lifestyle and communication demands
- •Duration of hearing loss
- •Age at onset
This is why a comprehensive evaluation — not just a single number — is essential for making good treatment decisions.
Frequently asked questions
Can mild hearing loss be left untreated?
Mild hearing loss is sometimes dismissed as not serious enough to treat. However, even mild loss can affect communication, particularly in noisy environments, and may contribute to listening fatigue. Research has also found associations between untreated hearing loss and accelerated cognitive decline in older adults — a large prospective study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that hearing loss was independently associated with accelerated cognitive decline over time.4 Discuss the options with your audiologist.
Can hearing loss get worse over time?
Yes. Age-related and noise-induced hearing loss typically progress gradually over time. Regular monitoring with an audiologist is important to track changes and adjust treatment as needed.
What is the difference between degree and type of hearing loss?
Degree refers to how much hearing loss you have (mild, moderate, severe, etc.). Type refers to where in the auditory system the problem originates (sensorineural, conductive, or mixed). Both are important for understanding your hearing and determining treatment.
Sources
- 1. Clark JG. Uses and abuses of hearing loss classification. ASHA. 1981;23(7):493–500.
- 2. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Degree of Hearing Loss. asha.org. Accessed September 2026.
- 3. World Health Organization (WHO). Deafness and Hearing Loss. who.int. Accessed September 2026.
- 4. Lin FR, et al. Hearing loss and cognitive decline in older adults. JAMA Internal Medicine. 2013;173(4):293–299.