|
Level of Hearing Loss (dB)
|
Classification
|
Sounds Heard Without Amplification
|
Probable Needs
|
|
0-15 dB
|
Normal Range
|
All speech sounds
|
None
|
|
15-25 dB
|
Slight Hearing Loss
|
Vowel sounds heard clearly; may miss unvoiced consonant sounds
|
Consideration of need for hearing aid; auditory training, speech therapy, preferential seating
|
|
25-40 dB
|
Mild Hearing Loss
|
Hears only some louder-voiced sounds
|
Hearing aids, lip reading, auditory training, speech therapy
|
|
40-65 dB
|
Moderate Hearing Loss
|
Misses most speech sounds at normal conversation levels
|
All of the above in addition to consideration of special classroom situation
|
|
65-95 dB
|
Severe Hearing Loss
|
Hears no speech sounds of normal conversation
|
All of the above and probable assignment to special classes
|
|
More than 95 dB
|
Profound Hearing Loss
|
Hears no speech or other sounds
|
All of the above and probable
|