What Level of Hearing Loss Requires a Hearing Aid?

There are countless individuals of all ages who have trouble hearing. Maybe you struggle to hear conversations in loud environments like restaurants, or you find yourself continually turning up the volume on the TV. These are common signs of hearing loss. But you are probably wondering, what level of hearing loss requires a hearing aid? The severity of hearing loss you are experiencing will determine whether or not you require a hearing aid. A hearing test can help you determine your range of hearing loss and whether or not you require a hearing aid. And different levels of hearing loss might require  different types of hearing aids. For example, our  Sontro® Self-Fitting OTC Hearing Aids are an ideal solution for those suffering from mild to moderate hearing loss.  

Understanding Hearing Loss

Before we discuss what level of hearing loss requires a hearing aid, it is  important to understand hearing loss. Hearing loss is the result of either inner ear or nerve damage, occurring in one ear or both. Sometimes, figuring out whether you or a loved one has hearing loss can be difficult. After all, hearing loss can happen gradually. What you might not know is that there are different levels of hearing loss. Not all hearing loss is the same. Hearing loss is divided into severity from mild to profound. 

What Level of Hearing Loss Requires a Hearing Aid?

More than nine million adults over the age of 65 have some level of hearing loss, but only about 20% of people who actually require hearing aids wear them.  Millions who would benefit from hearing aids do not have them. 

This is why you might be wondering,  do I need hearing aids? Whether or not you require a hearing aid depends on the severity of hearing loss you are suffering from. A hearing aid is most helpful for someone who is suffering from mild to moderate hearing loss, and in some cases for someone with severe hearing loss. However, if your hearing loss is severe or profound, you may require a cochlear implant or a middle ear implant to improve your hearing. 

Hearing Loss Ranges

There are varying  degrees of hearing loss. Some forms of hearing loss can be treated with a hearing aid. A healthy ear can typically hear between 20Hz to 20KHz, and this is referred to as the dynamic range. 

Mild Hearing Loss: 26-40 dB

The most  common type of hearing loss is mild hearing loss. Mild hearing loss is defined as being able to hear some speech sounds, but soft sounds are more difficult to hear. The definition of mild hearing loss is the inability to hear sounds that are quieter than 25 decibels for adults. These sounds might include whispering, dripping water, leaves, and birds chirping. 

Moderate Hearing Loss: 41-70 dB

Moderate hearing loss is defined as being able to hear Someone with moderate hearing loss may hear almost no speech when another person is talking at another level. 

Severe Hearing Loss: 71-90 dB

A person with severe hearing loss will only hear loud sounds, but will hear no speech of a person speaking at a normal level. 

Profound Hearing Loss: 91+ dB

Someone with profound hearing loss will not hear any speech and only extremely loud sounds. 

Hearing Aids for Varying Types of Hearing Loss

If you are suffering from hearing loss, a hearing aid might not just help you hear. According to a study published in the June 2016 American Journal of Audiology,  hearing aids may also help improve brain function. Hearing loss can interfere with cognitive abilities because your brain is working hard to understand speech. That is why it is important to get a hearing aid for your hearing loss as soon as possible. 

Do I Need a Hearing Aid for Mild Hearing Loss?

Even mild hearing loss can take a toll on your daily life. If you are an adult with mild hearing loss, a hearing aid can greatly help you. There are no effective medical or surgical treatments for mild hearing loss other than a hearing aid. 

Do I Need a Hearing Aid for Moderate Hearing Loss?

Almost everyone with moderate hearing loss can benefit from wearing a hearing aid. 

Do I Need a Hearing Aid for Severe Hearing Loss?

In some cases, severe hearing loss might require a hearing aid. In other cases, a more serious solution like a cochlear implant might be necessary. 

Do I Need a Hearing Aid for Profound Hearing Loss?

People who suffer from profound hearing loss need very strong hearing aids. If profound hearing loss is caused by damage to the inner ear, a hearing aid might not be an effective solution. Some people with profound hearing loss rely on lip-reading and/or sign language. 

OTC Hearing Aids for Mild to Moderate Hearing Loss

If your hearing loss falls into the mild to moderate range, you are an excellent candidate for an OTC (over-the-counter) hearing aid. Over-the-counter  hearing aids are more affordable and easier to obtain than prescription hearing aids. An OTC hearing aid like our Sontro OTC Hearing Aids can help restore sounds for your daily life, so you can rejoin the conversations going on around you. 

What Level of Hearing Loss Requires a Hearing Aid?

Now, you know what level of hearing loss requires a hearing aid. But you might still be wondering,  how do I know if I need hearing aids? If you are unsure what level of hearing loss you are suffering from, consider taking a hearing test. We offer a free online hearing test to help you learn your hearing loss level and if you are a good candidate for OTC hearing aids. The test only takes a few minutes. If you are wondering if your level of loss requires a hearing aid, don’t hesitate to call us at (833) 367-4327 or email us atsupport@hearsoundwave.com.