You and your loved ones are not alone. Over 31 million Americans today experience mild to moderate hearing loss. This number is expected to rise in the next decade, faster than the overall population.
Degree of hearing loss refers to the severity of the loss. The numbers are representative of the thresholds, or the softest intensity, at which sound is perceived. Below is one commonly used classification system.
- Normal hearing: -10 to 15 dBHL
- Slight loss: 16 to 25 dBHL
- Mild loss: 26 to 40 dBHL
- Moderate loss: 41 to 55 dBHL
- Moderately severe loss: 56 to 70 dBHL
- Severe loss: 71 to 90 dBHL
- Profound loss: 91 to 120 dBHL
Hearing loss can present itself in a variety of ways. It can be a natural result of the aging process (called Presbycusis) or it can also be caused by the environment around us, for instance a one time exposure to loud sound or by repeated exposure to sounds at various loudness levels over an extended period of time (called Noise-Induced Hearing Loss).
Signs of Hearing Loss
In many cases, signs of hearing loss can appear gradually and people often learn to cope with the problem as it progresses. In other cases, the problem seems to develop more quickly. You should suspect a hearing problem if you or your loved one is experiencing any of the following issues:
- Need people to repeat themselves
- Have a hard time following group conversations or hearing in noisy situations (malls, restaurants, etc.)
- Think that people are mumbling
- Have trouble hearing women and children
- Must turn up the volume on your TV or radio
- Respond inappropriately to questions
- Experience ringing in your ears
- Intently watch people’s faces or read their lips when they are talking
It is also important to note that hearing loss can be a symptom of a more serious medical condition or the result of excessive wax build up. A physician can treat these conditions. If you or your loved one have not already done so, please consult a doctor to rule out these or other medical conditions.