Hearing Loss Percentage Classification
Based on the Pure Tone Averages provided (60 dB right ear, 65 dB left ear), this represents moderate-to-moderately severe hearing loss, which corresponds to approximately 50-70% hearing impairment using standard audiometric classification systems. 1
Degree of Hearing Loss Classification
The audiometric findings indicate:
- Right ear (60 dB PTA): Moderate hearing loss
- Left ear (65 dB PTA): Moderate-to-moderately severe hearing loss 1
While the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery uses decibel hearing levels (dB HL) rather than percentage for clinical classification, the functional impact can be understood as follows:
- Normal hearing: ≤20 dB HL (0% impairment) 1
- Mild hearing loss: 21-40 dB HL (~25% impairment)
- Moderate hearing loss: 41-55 dB HL (~50% impairment)
- Moderately severe hearing loss: 56-70 dB HL (~70% impairment)
- Severe hearing loss: 71-90 dB HL (~90% impairment)
- Profound hearing loss: >90 dB HL (near-complete impairment) 1
Functional Hearing Status
This level of hearing loss falls into the "usable" or "serviceable" hearing category (Class B/C) according to AAO-HNS classification, meaning hearing aids would be appropriate and beneficial. 2
The AAO-HNS serviceable hearing classification for these PTA values:
- Class B: PTA 31-50 dB with discrimination 50-69%
- Class C: PTA >50 dB with discrimination 50-69%
- Both classes are considered usable hearing 2
Clinical Implications
At 60-65 dB PTA, patients typically experience significant difficulty with conversational speech, particularly in noisy environments, and would benefit from amplification. 3, 4
Key functional impacts at this hearing level:
- Difficulty understanding normal conversational speech without amplification 4
- Significant perceived hearing difficulty in daily activities 4
- High likelihood of reporting greater than moderate perceived hearing difficulty 4
- Hearing aids or other amplification devices are strongly indicated 3
Important Considerations
The 5 dB difference between ears is not clinically significant asymmetry (requires >15 dB difference), so this represents symmetric bilateral hearing loss. 5
- Asymmetric hearing loss is defined as >15 dB difference in PTA between ears 5
- This patient's 5 dB interaural difference does not warrant MRI evaluation for retrocochlear pathology 5
- Comprehensive audiometry including speech discrimination scores should be obtained to fully characterize functional hearing ability 1