DEGREES OF HEARING LOSS

How severe is your hearing loss?
Each person has a unique type and level of hearing loss, and some hearing aids may work better for you than others. Your hearing professional will take into account your degree and type of hearing loss when recommending a type of hearing aid. 

LEVELS OF HEARING LOSS

There are typically six degrees of hearing loss which your hearing care professional will use to describe your hearing loss at different frequencies.

You should feel free to discuss the audiogram with your hearing care professional. Ask which sounds (frequencies) and which loudness (intensity) you are able to hear.

This information can give you a good start in understanding your unique way of hearing the world around you. 

THERE ARE FOUR SHAPES OF HEARING LOSS YOU COULD BE EXPERIENCING.

Bilateral vs. unilateral

  • Bilateral involves hearing loss in both ears, while unilateral hearing loss is only in one ear.

Symmetrical vs. asymmetrical

  • Symmetrical means that your level and type of hearing loss is the same in both ears. Asymmetrical means that your ears have different types or levels of hearing loss.

Progressive vs. sudden hearing loss

  • Progressive hearing loss gets worse over time, while sudden hearing loss happens spontaneously – like after being exposed to a very loud noise.

Fluctuating vs. stable hearing loss

  • Fluctuating hearing loss can get better or worse over time, while stable hearing loss will stay the same.

FIND OUT MORE

ONLINE HEARING TEST

Our online hearing test is very easy to complete. All you have to do is answer five simple questions and listen to a few sound examples. You will receive your results immediately.
Take the online hearing test

LET A PROFESSIONAL GUIDE YOU

Find a hearing care professional near you.

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RELATED CONTENT

Conductive hearing loss

Conductive hearing loss happens when sound doesn’t travel efficiently from the outer ear and into the eardrum and bones of the middle ear. 

Discrimination loss

Having a hearing loss does not simply mean the inability to hear loudly enough.

Hearing loss in one ear

Difficult to determine where a voice is coming from? You may have a hearing loss in one ear.
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