Degrees of hearing loss (1391)

Hearing loss can happen in one or both ears. The amount and type of loss can be different in each ear. Your audiologist can explain how your child’s hearing loss may affect their speech and language. They can also explain different kinds of help for the hearing loss.

Hearing loss (threshold in decibels):

Minimal Hearing Loss (16-25 dB)

What this means to your child:

A child with this level of hearing loss can:

If you put your index fingers in your ears, you can learn how your child hears.


Hearing loss (threshold in decibels):

Mild Hearing Loss (26-40 dB)

What this means to your child:

A child with this level of hearing loss can:


Hearing loss (threshold in decibels):

Moderate Hearing Loss (41-55 dB)

What this means to your child:

A child with this level of hearing loss can:


Hearing loss (threshold in decibels):

Mod-Severe Hearing Loss (56-70 dB)

What this means to your child:

A child with this level of hearing loss can:

Adding visual cues and other assistive technology to the use of hearing aids will help children understand speech in noisy settings.


Hearing loss (threshold in decibels):

Severe Hearing Loss (71-90 dB)

What this means to your child:

A child with this level of hearing loss may:

Early use of hearing aids with extra language support will help speech, language, and learning.


Hearing loss (threshold in decibels):

Profound Hearing Loss (91+ dB)

What this means to your child:

A child with this level of hearing loss may:

Hearing aids will likely not help them hear. Cochlear implants may offer the best chance of hearing and learning to speak.


Hearing loss (threshold in decibels):

Unilateral Hearing Loss (One ear)

What this means to your child:

Children with hearing loss in one ear:

It is helpful to reduce background noise and speak toward the good ear.

For more health and wellness information

Check out this resource: https://kidshealth.org/ChildrensWi/en/parents