Degrees of Hearing Loss: Mild, Moderate, Severe, Profound
- Hearing Solutions
- Mar 23
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 29
Understanding the degrees of hearing loss — mild, moderate, severe, and profound — helps you understand the severity of your condition and what it means for daily communication. This guide explains each degree and the hearing aid solutions available in Pakistan. Read more: High-Frequency Hearing Loss: Why You Can't Hear Conversation
Last Updated: March 2026
Hearing loss assessment at Professional Hearing Solutions in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Read more: 5 Facts about Weight Gain and Hearing Loss You Probably Didn
Hearing Loss Degree Classification
Degree | Threshold (dB) | What You Experience | Recommended Hearing Aid |
Normal | 0-25 dB | No difficulty | None needed |
Mild | 26-40 dB | Miss whispers, soft speech, background conversations | Signia Prompt (Rs.90,000) |
Moderate | 41-55 dB | Miss normal conversation, need TV louder | Signia Intuis/Motion 1 (Rs.185-235K) |
Moderately Severe | 56-70 dB | Miss loud speech, struggle in most situations | Signia Motion 3 Nx (Rs.375K) |
Severe | 71-90 dB | Only hear very loud sounds, shouting | Signia Motion 5-7 Nx (Rs.450-580K) |
Profound | 90+ dB | Cannot hear without powerful amplification | Signia Motion 7 Nx or cochlear implant referral |
Note: Prices may vary slightly due to market fluctuations, currency exchange rates, and inflation. Contact Professional Hearing Solutions for the latest confirmed pricing.
Mild Hearing Loss (26-40 dB)
Often the first stage of age-related hearing loss. Many people do not realize they have it because they can still hear in quiet settings.
Difficulty hearing whispered speech
Missing parts of conversation in noisy environments
Asking people to repeat occasionally
May not notice in one-on-one quiet conversation
Important: Treating mild hearing loss early prevents progression and cognitive decline. Do not wait until it gets worse.
Moderate Hearing Loss (41-55 dB)
At this stage, hearing loss becomes obvious in daily life:
Cannot follow normal conversation without concentration
Need TV and phone volume higher than others
Difficulty in group conversations
Start avoiding social situations due to communication difficulty
Severe Hearing Loss (71-90 dB)
Severe hearing loss significantly impacts all communication:
Cannot hear normal or loud speech without hearing aids
Only very loud sounds (shouting, machinery) are audible
Communication without hearing aids is extremely difficult
Powerful BTE hearing aids with 32-48 channels recommended
Profound Hearing Loss (90+ dB)
At this level, virtually no speech is audible without amplification:
May feel vibrations from very loud sounds
Hearing aids provide significant benefit but may not restore full speech understanding
Cochlear implant evaluation may be recommended if hearing aids are insufficient
Powerful super-power BTE hearing aids are essential
How Hearing Loss Affects Daily Life
Hearing loss impacts more than just the ability to hear sounds. It affects communication, relationships, work performance, mental health, and overall quality of life. In Pakistan, where family gatherings, busy markets, and social interactions are central to daily life, hearing loss can be especially isolating.
Common Causes of Hearing Loss in Pakistan
Cause | Type of Hearing Loss | Preventable? | Common in Pakistan? |
Aging (Presbycusis) | Sensorineural | Not fully — manageable with hearing aids | Very common (60+ age group) |
Noise Exposure | Sensorineural | Yes — use hearing protection | Very common (traffic, factories) |
Ear Infections (Otitis Media) | Conductive | Yes — treat infections early | Common in children |
Genetic Factors | Sensorineural or Mixed | No — but early detection helps | Moderate |
Ototoxic Medications | Sensorineural | Yes — discuss with doctor | Moderate |
Head Trauma | Conductive or Mixed | Yes — wear safety equipment | Less common |
Earwax Blockage | Conductive | Yes — professional ear cleaning | Very common |
Signs You Should Get a Hearing Test
Frequently asking others to repeat themselves, especially in group conversations
Turning up the TV or phone volume higher than others find comfortable
Difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments like restaurants or family gatherings
Feeling that people are mumbling or speaking too softly
Avoiding social situations because of difficulty hearing
Ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in your ears (tinnitus)
Difficulty hearing doorbells, phone ringtones, or car horns
Treatment Options Available in Pakistan
Treatment | Best For | Available at PHS | Effectiveness |
Hearing Aids | Most hearing loss types | Yes — full Signia range | Highly effective |
Ear Wax Removal | Conductive loss from wax | Yes | Immediate improvement |
Medical Treatment | Ear infections, conditions | Referral provided | Depends on condition |
Surgical Options | Specific conductive cases | Referral to ENT | Case-dependent |
Tinnitus Management | Ringing/buzzing in ears | Yes — Signia notch therapy | Significant relief |
Do Not Ignore Hearing Loss
Research shows that untreated hearing loss is linked to cognitive decline, dementia, depression, social isolation, and increased fall risk. The longer hearing loss goes untreated, the harder it becomes for the brain to process speech. Early intervention with hearing aids preserves brain health and keeps you connected to the people and world around you.
If you or a family member shows signs of hearing loss, do not wait. Get a professional hearing assessment at Professional Hearing Solutions. Call 0332-5014111 or visit our Islamabad (Blue Area) or Rawalpindi (Saidpur Road) clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can mild hearing loss get worse?
Yes. Most hearing loss is progressive, especially age-related and noise-induced types. Regular monitoring and early treatment slow the impact.
Q2: Do I need hearing aids for mild loss?
Yes. Early treatment keeps the auditory system active, prevents cognitive decline, and makes future adaptation easier.
Q3: What is the hearing aid for each degree?
Mild: Signia Prompt (Rs.90,000). Moderate: Intuis/Motion 1 (Rs.185-235K). Severe: Motion 5-7 (Rs.450-580K). Your audiologist recommends based on your specific audiogram.
Q4: Where can I get assessed?
Visit Professional Hearing Solutions. Call 0332-5014111.
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Explore Our Services
Visit Professional Hearing Solutions
Islamabad Branch: Office B-9, Muhammad Gulistan Khan Plaza 82 East, Besides Tehzeeb Bakers, Fazl-ul-Haq Road, Blue Area, Islamabad, Pakistan
Google Maps: View Islamabad Location on Map
Rawalpindi Branch: Office 5/6, Ground Floor, Siraj Plaza, Opposite Rasheed Nursing Home, Adjacent Gulzari Optics, Saidpur Road, Rawalpindi
Google Maps: View Rawalpindi Location on Map
Phone/WhatsApp: 0332-5014111
Website: www.professionalhearingsolution.com
Conclusion
Knowing your degree of hearing loss helps you understand your situation and choose the right hearing aid. From mild to profound, Professional Hearing Solutions provides appropriate Signia solutions for every level.
