Hearing loss is usually measured in units known as dBHL - where dB stands for decibels and HL stands for hearing level. During Leightons free hearing test we will find the softest sounds a person can hear, across a range of frequencies. 

We categorise the loss as follows:

Mild hearing loss:

Normally, the quietest sounds we can hear are between 25 and 40 dB, so it may be difficult to hear soft sounds and understand speech in noisy environments. Open ear hearing aids are ideal for this kind of mild to moderate hearing loss.

Moderate hearing loss:

Normally, the quietest sounds that can be heard by people with this level of hearing loss – even with their better ear - are in the range 40 to 70 dB. This makes it difficult to follow conversations, especially when the level of background noise is high, as it would be in a busy restaurant or at a party. With so many different digitial hearing aid styles available suitable for moderate hearing loss we would always recommend a free hearing aid demonstration.

Severe hearing loss:

Normally, the quietest sounds that can be heard are in the range 70 to 95 dB. This means that other people will have to raise their voices to be heard and the sufferer will need to make a big effort to take part in group conversations. Consequently, severe hearing loss not only has an effect on the sufferer, but also on everyone else. Digital hearing aids will usually make a real difference in almost any listening situation.

Profound hearing loss:

In most cases, the quietest sounds that can be heard, even with the better ear, are unlikely to be below 95 dB. This means that only very loud sounds are heard and thus communicating without a digital hearing aid is virtually impossible.  Digital hearing aids, such as the Phonak Naida, are suitable for people with profound hearing loss.