A Hearing Test to Determine the Degree of Loss

A Hearing Test to Determine the Degree of Loss

There are many reasons to have a hearing test. Often times, people will focus on whether or not they have lost some of the ability to hear, as if it is a simply yes or no answer. However, the amount of loss present is often very important to doctors and it should matter to you. Depending on the severity of your loss, you may or may not need to use a device to make sounds louder for you. One of the main reasons for testing is to determine if there is loss and, if it is present, the amount that is occurring. This information will help to answer your questions and give you guidance on how to move forward.

When you have a hearing test, your doctor may talk to you about the normal range of hearing. Most people will have this done using a set of numbers that represent the range of loss in decibels. The loss can help to determine what steps are necessary for you and your doctor to take in order to restore some or all of your ability to hear again.

For example, if your tests read that you have a hearing loss range of 16 to 25 decibels, this indicates just a slight loss. This may not require any treatment and your doctor may not want you to do anything at this point but monitor your condition. Those who have a loss range of 26 to 40 have a mild form of loss. Generally, a device will be suggested here especially if you are at the top of this range.

In other cases, the use of a device is common because it is necessary. Moderate loss ranges from 41 to 55 decibels. Moderately severe is the next range and it indicates a loss of 56 to 70 decibels. Those who have 71 to 90 will have severe loss and will require the most advanced technologies to improve their ability to hear. For those who have a loss that is over 91 decibels, this is considered profound loss and it may not be possible to treat or improve this lack of the ability to hear.

In many cases, your doctor will provide you with a range of information about your condition and why it is happening. Generally, a hearing test pinpoints the cause as well as the treatment that may work for you. However, you and your doctor will need to discuss how to prevent further damage and what your realistic benefit will be from the use of a device. Many people do get help and can get back to living the life they used to live.