What Level of Hearing Loss Requires a Hearing Aid?
- Paul Jackson
- May 19
- 8 min read
In the UK, approximately 11 million people have hearing loss, including around 6.7 million people who could benefit from hearing aids, according to the Royal National Institute for Deaf People. However, many people who can benefit from hearing aids aren’t wearing them, perhaps because they don’t realise the extent of their hearing loss, or they don’t think that their level of hearing loss requires a hearing aid. So, what level of hearing loss means you need a hearing aid?
If you believe you have any level of hearing loss, you should visit a qualified audiologist for a hearing test. They will provide you with guidance on whether a hearing aid is a suitable treatment. In general, hearing aids are recommended for individuals with severe to profound hearing loss, while hearing aids may also benefit those with mild loss in some cases.
Keep reading for a more detailed breakdown of the different levels of hearing loss and when a hearing aid is recommended.
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What Are the Different Levels of Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss is classified according to severity and is based on the decibel (dB) level of the quietest sound a person can hear. There are four levels of hearing loss: mild, moderate, severe and profound.
Level of Hearing Loss | Decibels (dB) | Symptoms | Sounds You’ll Miss | Do I Need a Hearing Aid? |
None | ≤20 dB | No symptoms | No sounds missing | No |
Mild | 22-40 dB | Difficulty understanding quiet/soft sounds or speech in noisy environments where there is background noise | Whispered conversations. Birds chirping. Watch ticking. Running water. | In some cases |
Moderate | 41-70 dB | Higher volumes are required for radio and TV. Struggling to follow conversations, especially in noisy environments. Asking others to repeat themselves. | Higher-pitched sounds, e.g. consonants such as “s” and “h”. Babies crying. Conversational speech. | Yes |
Severe | 71-95 dB | Significant difficulties in understanding speech. Sound may seem muddled or distorted, especially high-frequency sounds. | Regular speech. Telephone ringing. Doorbells and alarm clocks. TV audio. | Yes |
Profound | ≥95 dB | Difficulty hearing/understanding most sounds, except for very loud sounds or vibrations. | Someone shouting. Airplanes. Emergency vehicle sirens. | Yes |
So, At What Level of Hearing Loss Should I Get a Hearing Aid?
A hearing aid is generally recommended by audiologists when hearing loss reaches moderate levels or higher, which corresponds to a hearing loss of 40 dB or more. Hearing aids can help individuals understand speech and follow conversations better, significantly increasing their quality of life.
According to the British Academy of Audiology, around 6.7 million people in the UK could benefit from hearing aids, but only around 2 million people use them. So, if you have any concerns about your hearing, it’s best to book a hearing test as soon as possible, so you can be fitted with a suitable hearing aid. Failing to get your hearing loss treated can not only have a negative impact on your well-being and ability to communicate, but it has also been linked to cognitive health. According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), studies have shown a link between uncorrected hearing loss and an increased risk of long-term cognitive decline.
Do I Need a Hearing Aid for Mild Hearing Loss?
Even with mild hearing loss, hearing aids can improve sound clarity and quality, helping to improve communication and prevent further hearing loss. However, although a hearing aid can be beneficial for some individuals with mild hearing loss, it may not be the right treatment for everyone.
If your hearing loss is very mild, a hearing aid may not be an appropriate treatment for you. During your hearing test, your audiologist will discuss your results with you and decide on the best course of action for your level of hearing loss. If you don’t think you’ll wear your hearing aid very often, it might not be the right fit.
Hearing aids often give back high-frequency information, which can make sounds, including your own voice, sound sharp. You might also notice more high-frequency sounds. With consistent hearing aid use, this will settle down as your brain adapts to the information it’s receiving. However, if you only wear your hearing aid occasionally, your brain will not be able to adapt, and you might feel overwhelmed by the additional background noise.
Even if you think your hearing loss is only mild and that a hearing aid is not right for you, it’s still best to book a hearing test with a qualified audiologist. They’ll be able to accurately assess your hearing and make recommendations on the best treatment - sometimes your hearing loss might be a lot worse than you realised!
How Do I Know My Level of Hearing Loss?
If you think that you're having problems with your hearing, the best and most accurate way to know your level of hearing loss is to book a hearing test with a qualified audiologist. During your hearing test, an audiologist will take a detailed case history, visually inspect the outer ear (otoscopy) and carry out a video otoscopy.
At Hearing Excellence Clinic, our Premium Hearing Test and Speech Assessment also includes a middle ear check (tympanometry), pure tone assessment and speech testing, as well as a full report with recommendations. Our audiologist will explain the results of your hearing test using clear and simple language during your appointment, and email you a full report and copy of your audiogram within 48 hours.
Understanding an Audiogram
An audiogram is a graph that visually represents the results of your hearing test. It shows how well you hear at different frequencies and intensities. Here’s a bit more information about what your audiogram will look like:
The X-axis (Frequency) is measured in Hertz (Hz) and represents the different pitches of sounds that were played to you during your hearing test. Lower-pitched sounds are on the left and higher-pitched sounds are on the right.
The Y-axis (Intensity) is measured in decibels (dB) and represents the loudness of a sound, with softer sounds at the top and louder sounds at the bottom of the graph.
Circles (red) represent your right ear, and crosses (blue) represent your left ear.
What Are the Different Types of Hearing Loss?
There are three main types of hearing loss: conductive, sensorineural, or mixed. Here’s more information about each of these types of hearing loss:
Conductive hearing loss occurs when there’s a problem with the outer or middle ear that prevents sound waves from reaching the inner ear. This can be caused by:
A build-up of earwax.
A foreign object in the ear.
Swimmer’s ear.
An ear infection.
Fluid in the middle ear.
Eardrum perforation.
Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there’s damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve. This type of hearing loss is typically irreversible. It can be caused by:
Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis).
Exposure to loud noises.
Genetic factors.
Ototoxic medications, such as some antibiotics or chemotherapy drugs.
Viral infections, such as measles, mumps and meningitis.
Mixed hearing loss is a combination of both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. It can be caused by a combination of the above causes or a single condition that affects both the outer and inner ear.
What Causes Hearing Loss?
As discussed above, hearing loss can be caused by a range of factors. Below, we discuss some of the most common causes of hearing loss in more detail.
Age-Related Hearing Loss
Age-related hearing loss (also known as presbycusis) is a type of sensorineural hearing loss and refers to a gradual decrease in hearing ability as people age. It’s a relatively common condition that tends to affect older individuals and typically affects both ears. According to the Royal National Institute for Deaf People, over half the population aged 55 or over has hearing loss. It’s the single biggest cause of hearing loss in the UK.
The natural ageing process leads to changes in the inner ear and auditory nerve, which can lead to difficulties understanding speech and high-pitched sounds. One of the best ways to manage age-related hearing loss is with a hearing aid, which can significantly improve hearing, communication and well-being.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Noise-induced hearing loss (also known as presbycusis) is a type of sensorineural hearing loss and is caused by exposure to a loud sound or a prolonged period of loud noise. It occurs when the fragile hair cells in the inner ear, which send sound signals to the brain, are destroyed or damaged. The hearing loss can be temporary or permanent, depending on the loudness of the sound and the duration of the exposure. To prevent noise-induced hearing loss, it’s essential to wear adequate noise protection when exposed to loud sounds.
Hearing Loss from Earwax Buildup
Earwax buildup can cause conductive hearing loss because the excessive wax blocks the ear canal, preventing sound waves from reaching the inner ear. This type of hearing loss is typically temporary and resolves once the earwax has been removed by a qualified professional, such as an audiologist. If you think your hearing loss is a result of excessive earwax, you should book an earwax removal appointment at a reputable hearing clinic.
What are the Signs of Hearing Loss?
It’s vital to be aware of the signs of hearing loss, so that you can recognise the early symptoms of hearing loss in both yourself and others.
Signs of Hearing Loss in Adults
Here’s an overview of the most common signs of hearing loss in adults:
Difficulty understanding conversation, especially in loud environments.
Frequently asking others to repeat themselves or not following the conversation.
Mishearing or misunderstanding conversations.
Constantly needing to turn up the volume on the TV or radio.
Difficulty hearing people on the phone.
A ringing sound in the ears (tinnitus).
Avoiding social situations or becoming more withdrawn.
Speech and other sounds may sound muffled or slurred.
Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds, such as “s” or “th” sounds.
If you notice any of the above symptoms, we recommend booking a hearing test with a qualified audiologist as soon as possible.
Private Hearing Tests in Sheffield, Barnsley and Doncaster
At the Hearing Excellence Clinic, we offer private hearing health checks and tests in our clinics in Sheffield, Barnsley and Doncaster. The Lead Audiologist and Clinic Director, Paul, has over 23 years of qualified experience in the private audiology sector and has worked with some of the biggest names in the UK.
If you’re concerned about your hearing loss, visit our Hearing Test page for more information or book your appointment online today. Alternatively, feel free to get in touch with our team if you need some advice about your hearing loss or whether a hearing aid is the right treatment for you.
Hearing Loss FAQs
When Should I See an Audiologist About My Hearing Loss?
You should always see an audiologist if you suspect you have any level of hearing loss. Common signs of mild or moderate hearing loss include difficulty hearing conversations, especially in loud environments, difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds and having to turn up the volume on the TV or radio. Even if you only believe you have mild hearing loss, getting a hearing test can be worthwhile, so you can accurately understand the severity of your hearing loss and discuss the best course of action with a qualified audiologist.
What Are the Treatment Options for Hearing Loss?
The best treatment for your hearing loss will depend on the cause and severity of your hearing loss. For most individuals, hearing aids are the recommended treatment as they can help improve communication and quality of life. However, if your hearing loss is caused by a buildup of earwax, earwax removal will be advised to see if this improves your hearing.
Is Hearing Loss Permanent?
No, not all hearing loss is permanent. Conductive hearing loss, which is where sound is blocked from reaching the inner ear, due to an ear infection, a foreign object or a buildup of earwax, is usually temporary. Treatments such as earwax removal, antibiotics or surgery to remove the foreign object should resolve the hearing loss.
However, sensorineural hearing loss, which is caused by damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve, is usually permanent. This includes age-related and noise-induced hearing loss. The most common form of treatment for sensorineural hearing loss is hearing aids, which amplify sounds, making it easier for affected individuals to hear clearly and follow conversations.
Can Age Affect Hearing?
Yes, generally, hearing declines with age, and older individuals are significantly more likely to be affected by age-related hearing loss (presbycusis). This type is often gradual and affects both ears. It can be difficult to notice the symptoms of age-related hearing loss as it begins so gradually, which is why it’s so important to get a hearing test as soon as possible if you have any concerns about your hearing.
If you’re located in South Yorkshire, why not book your hearing test with Paul, the qualified audiologist at Hearing Excellence Clinic? With over 23 years of qualified experience in the audiology industry, you will receive a detailed report, a clear explanation of your hearing loss and advice on the best course of action.
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