Understanding the Degrees of Hearing Loss

It’s easy to take hearing for granted. As soon as you experience symptoms of hearing loss, however, you realize what a vital and integrated sense your hearing actually is. This is the case for millions of people across the world, and it often comes on gradually, making changes in hearing hard to perceive. Understanding the degrees of hearing loss is the first step in making change—that’s what we’re going to explore today.

Audiology First in Lethbridge can help you regain clarity and confidence in your hearing. Let’s learn about the four degrees of hearing loss, their causes, and how our clinic can help mitigate issues, find solutions, and improve your quality of life.

What Are the Degrees of Hearing Loss?

There is not a one-size-fits-all definition for hearing loss. In audiology, we start by categorizing it into one of four degrees of hearing loss: mild, moderate, severe, or profound. We’ll now talk about what each of these feels like, and the impact it can have on someone experiencing it.

Mild Hearing Loss

Individuals with mild hearing loss might struggle to hear soft sounds or understand speech in noisy environments. They often have difficulty following conversations when multiple people are speaking or when the speaker's voice is faint.

What it feels like: You may struggle to hear faint sounds or soft conversations, especially in noisy environments.
Impact: While you can follow most conversations, background noise makes it harder to understand others clearly.

Moderate Hearing Loss

This degree of hearing loss makes it challenging to hear normal conversations, even in quieter settings. People with moderate hearing loss often need hearing aids to understand speech clearly or to avoid constantly asking others to repeat themselves.

What it feels like: Conversations in quiet settings become more challenging, and you may often ask people to repeat what they just said.
Impact: You may find yourself avoiding noisy social settings, which can lead to frustration or isolation.

Severe Hearing Loss

Severe hearing loss significantly impairs the ability to hear most sounds, including normal speech, without amplification. People with this level of hearing loss typically rely heavily on hearing aids, assistive devices, or lip reading to communicate effectively.

What it feels like: Without the help of amplification, normal conversations are nearly impossible to follow.
Impact: Communication heavily relies on lip-reading, visual cues, or assistive devices.

Profound Hearing Loss

With profound hearing loss, individuals cannot hear most sounds, even very loud ones. Communication often requires cochlear implants, sign language, or other specialized forms of support, as hearing aids may offer limited assistance.

What it feels like: Sounds are difficult or impossible to hear, even with amplification.
Impact: Daily communication often requires sign language or advanced assistive technology.

What Causes Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss can result from a variety of factors, ranging from lifestyle choices to underlying medical conditions. Understanding the causes can help in preventing or managing hearing difficulties. Some of the most common causes include:

Age-related hearing loss (Presbycusis): A gradual decline in hearing ability as you age.
Noise exposure: Damage caused by repeated exposure to loud sounds, whether from work environments or personal activities (like listening to music). For example, those in the construction industry working around loud machinery and equipment are at higher risk.
Medical conditions: Infections, certain medications, or illnesses that impact the auditory system.
Genetic factors: Hereditary predispositions to hearing impairment.

Regular hearing assessments are important for early detection of these underlying causes. The quicker we can identify the root cause, the quicker we can start to implement a personal treatment plan tailored to the unique needs of the individual.

The Impact of Hearing Loss on Daily Life

What many people don’t realize is how far-reaching the effects of hearing loss can have on a person’s life. Consider the following…

Hearing loss can be the source of misunderstandings and other difficulties in group settings. Social interactions of any kind, as a result, can start to become intimidating, frustrating, and undesirable. A person with hearing loss may begin to feel like a burden around others, and start to withdraw from more and more social situations as time goes on.

This behaviour can start to snowball in various ways; feelings of isolation and loneliness are all-too-common accompaniments, which can have severe effects on a person’s emotional health, for example. This can trickly into one’s professional life, disrupting workflow and coworker relationships.

The good news is that properly addressing hearing loss can significantly improve these aspects of life. Let us help you do it.

How Audiology First Can Help

The team here at Audiology First is dedicated to helping you hear better. There’s a reason we’re known as the most trusted and reputable audiology clinic in Southern Alberta. Our services include:

Comprehensive Hearing Assessments

Composed of at least seven different tests, our team takes the most thorough approach possible to get a clear understanding of your unique hearing health profile using the latest technology in the industry. We also offer ‘baseline tests’ often requested for jobs that use loud equipment or individuals working in the armed forces.

Tailored Hearing Solutions

If hearing aids or other assistive devices are necessary, our team has the experience to help you determine what technology will provide the best sound while being the least intrusive in your everyday routines. Custom fittings, quality control, and thorough examinations of every product we recommend.

Ongoing Support & Care

Audiology First is an integral part of your healthcare team. We proudly provide ongoing support, guidance, and rehabilitation beyond the initial treatment for hearing loss. Our goal is to ensure the long term comfort, satisfaction, and success of our patients. Your life changes, and we’ll make sure your treatment plan changes with it.

With a commitment to quality care, Audiology First in Lethbridge is here to help you reconnect with the world of sound. Don’t let hearing loss hold you back—take the first step toward better hearing today. Give us a call or book an appointment online.

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Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Medical Emergency You Can't Ignore

October 3, 2025

When it comes to audiology, there’s only one true emergency: sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) . Unlike gradual hearing loss that develops over years, SSNHL appears abruptly and requires immediate medical attention. Audiology First specializes in rapid emergency hearing care, with diagnostic protocols and treatment pathways designed to act fast when every hour matters. Quick intervention can mean the difference between full recovery and permanent hearing damage. Let’s learn how to recognize warning signs and understand what a treatment plan would look like. Understanding Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Definition and Criteria To an Audiologist, sudden sensorineural hearing loss is defined as a 30+ dB hearing loss (which in layman's terms would be a very noticeable change) across three different pitches of hearing within 72 hours. For it to be a true sudden sensorineural loss, it cannot be related to anything else, like wax blockage, fluid buildup or a blockage. It happens without warning and is often mistaken for a minor issue like earwax buildup or fluid in the ear, but the stakes are often much higher. Prevalence and Demographics SSNHL affects about 5 to 20 per 100,000 people annually , with thousands of cases reported across Canada. While it can strike at any age, adults in their 40s and 50s are more commonly affected. Unilateral vs. Bilateral Most cases are unilateral (one ear), but in rare circumstances, hearing loss can affect both ears. Bilateral cases are especially urgent and may point to underlying systemic or autoimmune conditions. Associated Symptoms Patients often experience additional warning signs such as tinnitus (ringing in the ears), dizziness, or a sensation of fullness in the affected ear. Audiology First’s Emergency Assessment Our clinic prioritizes same-day evaluations , including audiometric testing and immediate physician referral when needed. By identifying SSNHL quickly, we aim to maximize the window for effective treatment and recovery. Remember that hearing care centers like Audiology First cannot treat sudden loss, but play a role in identifying it. If you cannot see an audiologist or another trained hearing care professional right away, you should not delay seeking medical help from a physician. If same day testing is not available, you should continue to seek help as a matter of urgency. We recommend using one or more of the following resources: Call Alberta Healthlink on 311 Visit an Urgent Care center Visit your local Emergency Room or Call a local Ear Nose and Throat specialist’s office Recognizing the Warning Signs Immediate Symptoms The hallmark sign is sudden hearing loss in one ear , which may feel like muffled sounds or difficulty understanding speech. Secondary Indicators Other red flags include persistent tinnitus, balance issues, and ear pressure that can accompany the hearing loss. When to Seek Emergency Care Time is of the essence. Some research shows that treatment is most effective when started within the first 72 hours . While some people’s hearing may recover spontaneously with or without treatment, delaying medical attention can lead to permanent hearing impairment . In some cases, hearing does not recover, even with prompt treatment. If you are experiencing dizziness at the same time as a hearing loss, do not drive yourself to seek help, but consider getting someone to drive you to any immediate appointments. Self-Assessment Techniques At home, a simple test is to cover one ear at a time when listening to a familiar sound (such as your phone or TV). If one side sounds significantly quieter or distorted, it’s an urgent signal to seek help. If you are a hearing aid user, it is important to check that your hearing aid is not blocked or malfunctioning in some way, giving the appearance of a sudden change in hearing. Treatment Options and Protocols Audiologists and Hearing Care Professionals cannot prescribe medications, but these are some of the options offered to people with sudden loss when they visit a medical professional. Corticosteroid Therapy The primary treatment for SSNHL is corticosteroids, delivered either orally or through intratympanic injections. These reduce inflammation and improve the likelihood of hearing recovery. Prednisone is often prescribed. Treatment Timing Prompt treatment is crucial. Patients who start therapy within 14 days of onset have significantly better outcomes. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy For patients who don’t respond to steroids, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can serve as a salvage treatment, improving oxygen delivery to the inner ear. Supportive Care Managing related issues like tinnitus or dizziness may require additional therapies, including hearing aids or vestibular rehabilitation. Audiology First’s Treatment Approach We have a great relationship with the local ENT specialists, and coordinate all aspects of care with them to ensure each patient has access to the best possible recovery options. Recovery and Rehabilitation Recovery Timelines: Recovery can range from a few days to several months, depending on the severity and speed of treatment. Some patients regain full hearing, while others experience only partial improvement. Hearing Aid Considerations: For those with lasting deficits, modern hearing aids can provide amplification and restore communication confidence. Tinnitus Management: Persistent ringing in the ears is often a consequence of hearing loss that can be managed through sound therapy, well fitted hearing aids, counseling, and tinnitus retraining techniques. Follow-up Care: You should return to the clinic for a series of routine follow up tests over the weeks and months following a sudden hearing loss. This allows us to measure whether treatments have been successful, and to treat any residual hearing loss. Audiology First’s Rehabilitation Services For those who need it, Our team provides comprehensive recovery support, including custom hearing aid fittings, counseling, and personalized rehabilitation plans. Prevention and Risk Factors Known Risk Factors Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss has been linked to the following: Viral infections Autoimmune disorders Circulatory problems Certain medications Age-related vulnerabilities Protective Measures Protecting your hearing from loud noise, avoiding ototoxic medications when possible, and treating systemic health issues can lower risk. Early Detection Baseline hearing tests and regular audiology check-ups can help detect changes early and establish a benchmark for comparison. Lifestyle Factors It is difficult to note which factors may reduce the risk of sudden sensorineural hearing loss, but a healthy lifestyle—including balanced nutrition, exercise, and cardiovascular health—supports long-term hearing preservation. Audiology First’s Prevention Programs We provide preventive screenings, personalized risk assessments, and educational resources so patients can take proactive steps toward protecting their hearing health. Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss is not a typical hearing problem…it’s a medical emergency. If you or someone you know experiences sudden hearing loss, don’t wait, contact Audiology First immediately during business hours, or contact any other trusted hearing care clinic. If you cannot reach us, please seek immediate medical attention. Book your hearing evaluation today and take the first proactive step in protecting your long-term hearing health.