0 - No impairment |
25 dB or better (better ear) |
No or very slight hearing problems. Able to hear
whispers. |
|
1 - Slight impairment |
26-40 dB (better ear) |
Able to hear and repeat words spoken in normal
voice at 1 metre. |
Counselling. Hearing aids may be needed. |
2 - Moderate impairment |
41-60 dB (better ear) |
Able to hear and repeat words spoken in raised
voice at 1 metre. |
Hearing aids usually recommended. |
3 - Severe impairment |
61-80 dB (better ear) |
Able to hear some words when shouted into better
ear. |
Hearing aids needed. If no hearing aids available,
lip-reading and signing should be taught. |
4 - Profound impairment including deafness |
81 dB or greater (better ear) |
Unable to hear and understand even a shouted
voice. |
Hearing aids may help understanding words.
Additional rehabilitation needed. Lip-reading and sometimes signing
essential. |