Which degree of hearing loss is classified as "mild" in adults?

The classification of hearing loss is based on the decibel (dB) levels at which a person can hear sounds. For adults, a "mild" hearing loss is specifically defined as having a hearing threshold that ranges between 26 to 40 dB.

At this level of hearing loss, individuals may find it challenging to hear soft spoken words and might miss sounds in quiet environments. They can often hear sounds at normal conversation levels but may struggle in noisy settings or with higher-pitched sounds.

Understanding these classifications is crucial for hearing aid dispensers, as it helps guide the recommendation of assistive devices and strategies to manage communication effectively. The other ranges correspond to different degrees of hearing loss; for instance, the ranges listed for "normal hearing" and other levels of hearing loss are not consistent with the established classifications for mild hearing loss.