Hearing Loss

People often have misconception when we talk about hearing loss.
They often think that all individual with hearing loss are deaf.
Hearing loss is when an individual having difficulty to listen or understand speech, while deaf is when an individual is having minimal or no hearing.

When we talk about hearing loss, we need to know two things; first, is the type of hearing loss and secondly, is the level of hearing loss. There are three types of hearing loss;

  • Conductive hearing loss
    • Hearing loss that is caused by problem in the outer ear or middle ear. It can be due to infection of the outer ear or middle ear. This type of hearing loss is a temporary and treatable, which if treated, our hearing could recover. However, if the infection is left untreated for a long period of time, it will lead to a permanent hearing loss.
  • Sensorineural hearing loss
    • Hearing loss that is due to a disruption at the organ of hearing (cochlea) or at the nerves. This type of hearing loss is permanent and cannot be treated. Fortunately, we have hearing aids to assist you in communication.
  • Mixed hearing loss
    • Hearing loss that is a combination of both conductive and sensory element.
Level of hearing loss

Hearing loss is described based on how loud sounds you need for you to hear. For example, if you are having moderate hearing loss, you are having difficulty in following conversation. Decibles (dB) is used as a unit to measure loudness of sound. It's the same with kilogram (kg) is used as a unit to measure weight.

There are five levels of hearing;

  • Normal hearing
    • -10 to 20 dB (whisper sound)
  • Mild hearing loss
    • 21 to 40 dB (water tripping and soft conversation sound)
  • Moderate hearing loss
    • 41 to 60 dB (moderate conversation sound)
  • Severe hearing loss
    • 61 to 90 dB (vacuum, dog barking, piano)
  • Profound hearing loss
    • 91 to 120 dB (lawn mower, chainsaw, truck, siren, airplane)