Profound hearing loss is defined as hearing loss greater than which dB level?

Profound hearing loss is defined as hearing loss greater than which dB level?

• A. Less than 20 dB
• B. 40-55 dB
• C. 70-89 dB
• D. Greater than 90 dB

Answer: (D)

Hearing loss is described by thresholds measured in decibels hearing level (dB HL). Normal hearing runs roughly 0–20 dB HL, and as the threshold increases, the loss is labeled mild, moderate, severe, or profound. Profound hearing loss means thresholds are greater than about 90 dB HL, so even very loud sounds are often not heard without powerful amplification or other assistive technologies. With thresholds above 90 dB, conversational speech is typically inaudible, and communication relies on alternative means like sign language, lip reading, or cochlear implants. This makes the >90 dB range the defining cutoff for profound hearing loss.

Hearing loss is described by thresholds measured in decibels hearing level (dB HL). Normal hearing runs roughly 0–20 dB HL, and as the threshold increases, the loss is labeled mild, moderate, severe, or profound. Profound hearing loss means thresholds are greater than about 90 dB HL, so even very loud sounds are often not heard without powerful amplification or other assistive technologies. With thresholds above 90 dB, conversational speech is typically inaudible, and communication relies on alternative means like sign language, lip reading, or cochlear implants. This makes the >90 dB range the defining cutoff for profound hearing loss.