How much of what’s being said around you do you understand? What percentage of words do you catch if someone is speaking to you versus talking to somebody else?
Do you suspect you have some hearing loss? If so, then it is likely time to consider a hearing aid.
It can be hard to evaluate your hearing as we only sometimes know how much hearing loss is too much. The decision to use a hearing aid depends on the degree of hearing loss and its impact on an individual’s daily life.
Hearing loss is typically categorized into different levels based on the audiogram. It measures the severity of hearing loss in decibels (dB) across different frequencies.
To help you understand what hearing loss group requires a hearing aid, here’s what you need to know about hearing loss and hearing aids.
Mild Hearing Loss
Those with mild hearing loss typically have difficulty hearing only the softest sounds. They may also have trouble hearing in noisy environments or when someone speaks softly. They may also hear muffled or distorted speech.
Hearing aids for those with mild hearing loss can help amplify sound. So you can hear difficult-to-hear soft sounds more clearly, and muffled or distorted speech can become easier to understand. Hearing aids can also help filter out background noise to make conversations easier to follow. Doctors Hearing Care offers a wide selection of hearing aids in New Albany, IN, to address different types of hearing concerns.
Moderate Hearing Loss
Those with moderate hearing loss struggle to hear soft and moderately loud sounds. They often have trouble following conversations, especially in noisy settings. Hearing aids are usually recommended for this level of hearing loss.
If you are in Pembroke Pines, FL, check out these hearing aids provider. They can assess and treat your hearing concerns with knowledge and care.
Severe Hearing Loss
Severe hearing loss is a hearing loss of 91 decibels or more. People with this hearing loss typically require a hearing aid to hear usually.
People with severe hearing loss typically need to have their hearing aids professionally fitted and adjusted by an audiologist to obtain the best results. People with severe hearing loss may also benefit from additional listening devices such as FM systems or assistive listening devices.
Profound Hearing Loss
Profound hearing loss means loud sounds may not be audible, and communication is severely impaired. Any level of hearing loss over this threshold requires the assistance of a hearing aid.
Hearing aids may help, but in some cases, individuals with profound hearing loss may be candidates for cochlear implants. Cochlear implants are surgically implanted devices that can provide more significant hearing improvement.
Assess What Level of Hearing Loss Requires a Hearing Aid
Hearing loss affects many people’s lives, so it is essential to know what level of hearing loss requires a hearing aid. Hearing loss of any severity impacts our lives and should not be ignored.
If you’re concerned you may have a hearing issue, get a hearing evaluation today to assess your needs. Pay attention to the signs, and get help to maintain your hearing health!
For more information and advice on health and wellness, check out the rest of our blog.
Wayne Probert is a senior reporter at Zobuz, covering state and national politics, and he is a grantee with the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting. Before joining Zobuz, he worked as a freelance journalist in Kentucky, having been published by dozens of outlets including NPR, the Center for Media.
