What Do the Type, Degree, and Configuration of Hearing Loss Determine?

A comprehensive hearing assessment addresses three key dimensions: the type, degree, and configuration of hearing loss. These elements are essential for identifying which sounds a person can or cannot hear, which frequencies pose the most difficulty, and what kind of treatment or rehabilitative strategy is most appropriate.

Types of Hearing Loss

The type of hearing loss refers to where in the auditory system sound transmission or processing is impaired. There are three primary types:

1. Conductive Hearing Loss: Occurs when sound waves cannot efficiently travel through the outer ear canal, eardrum, or middle ear ossicles to reach the inner ear. This type is often temporary and may respond well to medical or surgical treatment.

2. Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Results from damage to the hair cells in the cochlea or the auditory nerve. This is usually permanent and requires rehabilitative options such as hearing aids or cochlear implants.

3. Mixed Hearing Loss: Involves components of both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, indicating dysfunction in both the outer/middle ear and inner ear/auditory nerve.

Degrees of Hearing Loss

The degree of hearing loss describes the severity of the hearing impairment and is measured in decibels hearing level (dB HL). It indicates how soft a sound must be before a person can detect it. Degree of Hearing Loss Hearing Threshold (dB HL) Normal 0-25 dB Mild 26-40 dB Moderate 41-55 dB Moderately Severe 56-70 dB Severe 71-90 dB Profound 90+ dB

Configuration of Hearing Loss

The configuration of hearing loss refers to the pattern of hearing thresholds across different frequencies on an audiogram. This helps determine which pitch ranges (low, mid, or high frequencies) are more affected and how speech clarity and sound quality may be impacted. Common audiometric configurations include:

• Flat: Similar hearing loss across all frequencies.
• Sloping: Better hearing in low frequencies with worse thresholds in high frequencies; often associated with reduced speech intelligibility.
• Rising: Greater hearing loss in low frequencies, improving toward the high frequencies; typically seen in conductive losses.
• Notched: A sharp decline in a specific frequency range, usually around 4000 Hz; characteristic of noise-induced hearing loss.
• Cookie-Bite (U-Shaped): Greater loss in mid-frequencies; may have a genetic origin.

Hearing loss is highly individualized. Two people with the same degree of hearing loss may have vastly different experiences due to differences in configuration and type. Therefore, hearing assessments are not only about determining whether someone can hear, but also how they hear. Seeking a thorough evaluation by an audiologist is essential to understanding your unique hearing profile and developing an appropriate intervention plan.

📞 If you are in Cyprus and seeking professional support for hearing testing and care, contact İskele Hearing Center. For more information or to schedule an appointment, feel free to reach out to us.