How Is Hearing Loss Measured?

When we talk about hearing loss, it’s important to differentiate the level of which someone’s hearing is affected. There’s a significant difference between struggling to hear normal conversation, and having difficulty hearing a shout.

To help audiologists classify an individuals’ hearing capability, there is a system of levels. These levels are based on the quietest sound a person can hear, measured in decibels.

The 5 levels of hearing

These levels help audiologists determine the severity of hearing impairment and get a better gauge on what someone can actually hear. Understanding these levels is crucial, especially for individuals who have experienced hearing impairment due to workplace accidents, military service, or exposure to loud environments.

To calculate hearing loss, the quietest sound an individual can hear is measured against the normal hearing range of 10-20dB. For example, if someone had difficulty hearing conversation at a normal volume, their hearing level could be around 45dB. Therefore, their hearing loss would be 20-25dB.

The 5 levels of hearing are:

Normal Hearing (–10 to 20 dB) – Individuals can hear most sounds, including whispers and soft speech, without difficulty. Level 1 hearing includes being able to hear sounds like leaves rustling (10 dB), whispers (20 dB) and fridge hums (25 dB)

2. Mild Hearing Loss (21 to 40 dB) – Soft speech may be harder to understand, especially in noisy environments or with background noise. Sounds like birds chirping (30 dB) and fans (35 dB) are still mostly audible.

3. Moderate Hearing Loss (41 to 55 dB) – People often need to ask others to repeat themselves and it may take effort to hear normal conversation clearly. Audio from TV and radio at a low level may be inaudible, and it may be difficult to hear rainfall (45dB).

4. Severe Hearing Loss (56 to 70 dB) – Hearing is significantly impaired and hearing aids are required. Even loud speech is difficult to understand, and communication usually requires amplification or lip-reading. Louder sounds like vacuum cleaners or a phone ringing may sound distorted or unclear.

5. Profound Hearing Loss (71 dB or more) – Most sounds, including speech, may be inaudible without powerful hearing aids or cochlear implants. Communication often depends on sign language, lip reading or other visual cues. Very loud sounds like a hair dryer (85 dB), traffic noise (90 dB) and fire alarms (100 dB) may be audible.

The Top Ten Sectors/Industries for Industrial Hearing Loss

Manufacturing & Construction
Roles such as factory workers, bricklayers, joiners, and welders are exposed to persistent noise from heavy machinery, compressed air vents, and metal clanking.
Education Extended work hours, high workloads, and chronic stress can contribute to auditory strain and related conditions like tinnitus despite not being traditionally associated with physical noise
Management & Senior Officials
Prolonged exposure to workplace stress, high responsibility, and mental fatigue may indirectly affect hearing health, potentially contributing to conditions like stress-related hearing loss or tinnitus.
Aviation (Airport Ground Staff & Flight Crews)
Jet engine noise contributes to NIHL. Without proper protection, this continuous exposure poses serious hearing risks.
Transport (Bus Drivers & Motorcycle Couriers)
Constant traffic noise, engine vibrations, and loud passengers contribute to gradual hearing degradation. Motorcycle couriers are also at risk due to wind noise and prolonged engine exposure.
Mining
Miners work with loud drilling equipment and heavy machinery in enclosed, echo-prone environments.
Entertainment Industry
Musicians, DJs, sound engineers, and club/bar staff are routinely exposed to music exceeding safe decibel thresholds. Long-term exposure without hearing protection is a known risk factor for hearing loss.
Motorsports (Drivers & Support Staff)
High decibel levels from engines, screeching tires, and crowd noise are typical in racing environments, making hearing protection essential but not always worn.
Railway Workers
Track maintenance, train car coupling, and signal systems produce loud, repetitive noise. Long shifts and insufficient protective gear increase the risk of hearing damage.
Law Enforcement & Military
Sudden, intense sounds like gunfire, explosions, and sirens without adequate hearing protection significantly raises the risk of permanent hearing loss.

There’s support available If you’re affected by hearing loss

If you or someone you know has experienced hearing loss due to noise exposure at work, military service, or other causes, Stanworth Law Solicitors can help. Our team specialises in hearing loss claims on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis. You may also be entitled to benefits like IIDB or PIP as a result of your hearing loss.