Hearing loss is typically broken down into categories is based on how loud sounds need to be for you to hear them.
Mild
Hearing Loss Range: 26 - 40 decibels
Sounds that fall into this range include rustling leaves, whispering, and the hum of appliances.
People who have mild hearing loss will often have difficulty hearing soft environmental sounds and some conversations, especially in louder environments, large group settings, at a distance, or on the phone.
Moderate
Hearing Loss Range: 41 - 60 decibels
Sounds that fall into this range include regular conversational speech, light traffic, and quiet office sounds.
Those with moderate hearing loss often find it difficult to keep up with regular conversation, even in quieter settings, without the use of hearing aids or other assistive listening devices.
Severe
Hearing Loss Range: 61 - 80 decibels
Sounds in this decibel range include garbage disposals, as well as most vacuum cleaners and hair dryers.
People with severe hearing loss will find it difficult to follow most normal conversations, and may also have trouble hearing loud speech, without a hearing aid or another form of amplification.
Profound
Hearing Loss Range: 81+ decibels
Sounds that fall into this decibel range include blenders, lawn mowers, and motorcycles at a moderate distance.
Those with profound hearing loss cannot hear any speech at all, and can only hear the loudest of sounds, even with hearing aids. As a result, they will often rely on lip-reading and/or sign language to communicate.