What is disabling hearing loss?

The term "disabling hearing loss" describes hearing loss serious enough to interfere with normal day-to-day communication. The World Health Organization (WHO) commonly uses a threshold of greater than about 35 decibels (dB) in the better-hearing ear for adults. Below that level, many people manage reasonably well; above it, following speech, phone calls and group conversations often becomes noticeably harder.

How is the threshold measured?

Hearing is measured in decibels of hearing level across a range of pitches during a hearing assessment. An audiologist plots your results on an audiogram, which shows the softest sounds you can detect at each frequency. "Disabling" is a category based on the average of these results in your better ear, not a judgement about you as a person. The figure can differ slightly between organisations, so it is best understood as a general guide rather than a fixed rule.

What does it feel like day to day?

People with this level of hearing loss often notice several common experiences:

• Asking others to repeat themselves frequently.
• Struggling to follow conversation in cafes, clubs or family gatherings.
• Turning the television up louder than others prefer.
• Difficulty hearing on the phone or picking up softer voices.
• Feeling tired after social situations from concentrating so hard.

Everyone experiences it differently. Two people with similar audiograms may cope very differently depending on their lifestyle, background noise and communication needs.

Does the threshold differ for children?

Yes. Because children are still developing speech, language and learning, the level at which hearing loss is considered disabling is generally set lower than for adults, often around 30 dB in the better ear. Even a mild loss can have a greater effect during these formative years, which is why newborn screening and school hearing checks exist in Australia. If you have any concern about a child's hearing, it is worth arranging a check rather than waiting to see whether they grow out of it.

Why does the classification matter?

Categories such as mild, moderate, severe and profound help audiologists describe hearing and plan suitable support. In Australia, they can also be relevant to funding pathways such as the Hearing Services Program, DVA and NDIS, each of which has its own eligibility criteria. The classification is one part of the picture, alongside how the loss affects your particular situation. Conditions apply under the Australian Government Hearing Services Program.

What can be done about it?

Hearing loss at this level can often be supported effectively. Depending on the cause and type, options may include hearing aids, assistive listening devices, communication strategies and, in some cases, medical or surgical referral. Modern hearing aids can be finely tuned to your audiogram and may make a meaningful difference to conversation and confidence, though results vary from person to person. If you are wondering whether your hearing has reached a level that is affecting your everyday life, a comprehensive hearing assessment is the clearest way to find out. At Hearing Help in Newport Marketplace on the Redcliffe Peninsula, you do not need a referral to book a hearing assessment, and our audiologist can explain your results and the options that may suit you. If you have noticed ongoing difficulty following conversation, it is worth having your hearing checked rather than waiting.