Hearing Loss Calculator

Air Conduction Thresholds (dB HL)

Normal: 0-25 dB HL. Higher numbers indicate worse hearing.

<10 dB: Sensorineural; ≥10-15 dB: Conductive component; ≥15 dB: Mixed

What does dB HL mean on an audiogram?

dB HL stands for "decibels Hearing Level," a standardized scale where 0 dB represents the average hearing threshold for young adults with normal hearing at each frequency. Higher numbers indicate worse hearing – needing louder sounds to hear. Normal hearing ranges from -10 to 25 dB HL. This differs from dB SPL (Sound Pressure Level) used for environmental noise.

Can hearing loss be reversed?

It depends on the type. Conductive hearing loss is often reversible through medical treatment (antibiotics for infection, earwax removal, surgery for ossicular damage or otosclerosis). Sensorineural hearing loss is usually permanent because damaged hair cells in the cochlea cannot regenerate. However, sudden sensorineural hearing loss may partially recover with prompt steroid treatment. Hearing aids and implants can rehabilitate hearing but don't restore it.

What is the air-bone gap and why is it important?

The air-bone gap is the difference between air conduction thresholds (sound through headphones) and bone conduction thresholds (sound through skull vibration). Bone conduction bypasses the outer and middle ear, testing only inner ear function. A significant gap (≥15 dB) indicates conductive hearing loss – a middle or outer ear problem that may be medically or surgically treatable. No gap suggests sensorineural loss.

At what point should I get hearing aids?

Consider hearing aids when hearing loss impacts your daily life – difficulty following conversations, frequently asking people to repeat, trouble hearing on the phone, or avoiding social situations. Audiologically, mild to moderate hearing loss (26-55 dB) often benefits from amplification. Even mild loss can cause listening fatigue and communication difficulties. Early intervention prevents social isolation and may help preserve auditory processing abilities.

Why do I hear better in one ear than the other?

Asymmetric hearing loss can result from unilateral exposure to noise, ear infections affecting one ear, acoustic neuroma (benign tumor on auditory nerve), Meniere's disease, sudden hearing loss in one ear, or unilateral ototoxic medication effects. Significant asymmetry warrants medical evaluation as some causes (like acoustic neuroma) require specific treatment. MRI may be recommended for marked asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss.

Can hearing loss cause dementia or cognitive decline?

Research shows untreated hearing loss is associated with increased risk of cognitive decline, dementia, depression, and social isolation. The exact mechanism isn't fully understood – it may involve increased cognitive load from straining to hear, reduced social engagement, or shared underlying pathology. Treating hearing loss with hearing aids appears to reduce these risks and improve quality of life.

How can I prevent noise-induced hearing loss?

Protect your hearing by: wearing earplugs or earmuffs in loud environments (concerts, power tools, firearms), keeping headphone/earbud volume below 60% and limiting use to 60 minutes daily (60/60 rule), taking breaks from noise exposure, maintaining distance from loud sound sources, and getting baseline hearing tests if occupationally exposed to noise. Damage from noise is permanent but preventable.

What should I expect during a hearing test?

A comprehensive hearing evaluation typically includes: case history and symptoms discussion, otoscopic examination (visual inspection of ear canal and eardrum), pure tone audiometry (responding to beeps at different frequencies and volumes), speech testing (repeating words), tympanometry (measuring eardrum movement), and possibly additional tests based on results. The entire appointment usually takes 30-60 minutes and is painless.