Deaf is primarily which level of hearing loss?

• A. Mild
• B. Moderate
• C. Severe
• D. Profound

Answer: (D)

Deaf corresponds to the most severe level of hearing loss. In audiology, the degrees are defined by how many decibels louder someone must hear to detect sounds: mild, moderate, moderately severe, severe, and profound. Profound (often described as deaf) means a threshold of about 90 dB HL or worse in the better ear, leaving little to no usable hearing for understanding speech even with amplification. That level of loss typically requires alternative communication methods, such as sign language, and sometimes cochlear implants, rather than relying on hearing aids. The other categories represent less severe losses where some hearing and speech can often be aided or recognized with amplification, which is why “deaf” is the label that best fits the profound level.