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Severe to profound hearing loss occurs during different points in life (from congenital hearing loss to gradual or sudden onset as an adult), and with varied etiologies and audiometric configurations. Severe to profound hearing loss has been found to negatively affect quality of life1 and to negatively impact activities of daily living.²,³ This applies to 87 million people worldwide – 2 out of 10 clients entering a hearing aid clinic are affected.⁴
Impact of Severe to Profound Hearing Loss
- Several studies have identified higher levels of social isolation, anxiety, and depression among adults with severe to profound hearing loss.⁶,⁷
- Young people are less likely to go to university or work full time.⁸
- Many affected by severe to profound hearing loss will have tinnitus.¹
Definition:⁵
- Severe hearing loss: average 61 - 80 dB HL
- Profound hearing loss: average > 81 dB HL
How to Treat Severe to Profound Hearing Loss
Individuals with severe to profound hearing loss are likely to present with complex listening needs that require special considerations and practices to optimize their outcomes.⁸
Approximately 50% of clients with severe to profound hearing loss report tinnitus and addressing the hearing loss is the starting point for treatment.
Successfully managing the complex needs of those with severe to profound hearing loss requires ongoing professional development. Our expertly trained team at AudioNova offers continuous support for clients with severe to profound hearing loss based on the latest guidelines!
References:
1 Holder, J. T., Reynolds, S. M., Sunderhaus, L. W., & Gifford, R. H. (2018). Current profile of adults presenting for preoperative cochlear implant evaluation. Trends in Hearing, 22, 2331216518755288.
2 Souza, P., Hoover, E., Blackburn, M., & Gallun, F. J. (2018). The characteristics of adults with severe hearing loss. Journal of the American Academy of Audiology, 29, 764-779.
