Hearing is a complex sense that can be affected in many ways. When it begins to decline, you may hear terms like "hearing loss" and "deafness" used interchangeably. But while they are related, they do not mean the same thing.

This article will help you understand the key differences between hearing loss and deafness, including how each is defined, measured, and managed. You’ll also learn at what point hearing loss becomes classified as complete deafness.

Understanding Hearing Loss

Hearing loss refers to a reduction in the ability to hear sounds. It can range from mild to profound and can affect one or both ears.

Key characteristics of hearing loss:

  • Gradual or sudden

  • May affect certain frequencies more than others

  • Doesn’t always mean a person is completely unable to hear

Common causes:

  • Aging (presbycusis)

  • Noise exposure

  • Infections

  • Genetics

  • Ototoxic medications

Most people with hearing loss still retain some auditory function and can benefit from treatment, especially when identified early.

Defining Deafness

Deafness is the most severe form of hearing loss. It usually refers to a condition where a person cannot hear sounds well enough to understand speech—even with the use of hearing aids.

Key traits of deafness:

  • Often permanent

  • May occur at birth or later in life

  • Affects both hearing and spoken communication

Total or profound deafness means that hearing thresholds are so high (91 dB or more) that most sounds—including speech—are inaudible.

Some people with deafness may identify as part of the Deaf community, embracing sign language and Deaf culture as part of their identity.

Degrees of Hearing Loss

Hearing ability is typically measured in decibels (dB) using an audiogram. This helps audiologists classify the degree of loss.

Degree Hearing Range Description
Normal -10 to 20 dB No hearing loss
Mild 21 to 40 dB Trouble with soft sounds
Moderate 41 to 55 dB Difficulty hearing regular speech
Moderately Severe 56 to 70 dB Struggles with conversations
Severe 71 to 90 dB Cannot hear most conversations
Profound 91+ dB May hear only very loud sounds

Deafness typically refers to people in the severe to profound range, especially those who rely on visual communication over auditory methods.

Types of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can be classified into three primary types, all of which may lead to deafness if severe enough.

1. Conductive hearing loss:
Caused by problems in the outer or middle ear, such as wax buildup, fluid, or infections.

2. Sensorineural hearing loss:
Caused by damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. This is usually permanent and common in aging.

3. Mixed hearing loss:
A combination of conductive and sensorineural issues.

Deafness is most often associated with sensorineural or mixed hearing loss in the profound range.

Symptoms That Set Them Apart

The early symptoms of hearing loss are subtle. Deafness, however, presents more dramatically.

Common signs of hearing loss:

  • Asking others to repeat themselves

  • Struggling in noisy environments

  • Turning the TV volume higher

  • Missing high-pitched sounds

Indicators of deafness:

  • Inability to hear speech sounds

  • Relying on lip-reading or sign language

  • Hearing aids offer little to no benefit

  • Speech development delays (in children)

The transition from hearing loss to deafness is gradual in some, while in others (due to injury or infection), it can happen suddenly.

When Hearing Loss Becomes Deafness

So, when does hearing loss become deafness?

The critical point lies in function, not just decibels.

  • A person may be considered legally deaf if their better ear has a hearing threshold of 70–90 dB or greater, even with hearing aids.

  • If hearing aids don’t restore functional hearing, the person is considered deaf.

  • In many cases, cochlear implants or visual communication methods (like ASL) become necessary.

In children, early diagnosis and intervention are crucial, especially if the hearing loss affects language development.

Communication Methods

How individuals communicate often distinguishes hearing loss from deafness.

People with hearing loss may still:

  • Use spoken language

  • Benefit from hearing aids

  • Function well with amplified devices

People with deafness may:

  • Use sign language

  • Prefer visual alerts over audio alarms

  • Be part of the Deaf community, which views deafness not as a disability but as a cultural identity

Assistive Technologies

Technology can help individuals with hearing impairments live more independently, regardless of degree.

For hearing loss:

  • Hearing aids

  • FM systems

  • Personal amplifiers

For deafness:

  • Cochlear implants (for some)

  • Video relay services

  • Captioning tools

  • Vibrating alert devices

Important: Not everyone with profound hearing loss benefits from cochlear implants. Personal preferences and outcomes vary widely.

Emotional and Social Impact

Whether mild or profound, hearing issues can take a toll on mental health.

Effects of untreated hearing loss:

  • Social withdrawal

  • Depression or anxiety

  • Communication struggles at work and home

Deaf individuals, especially those unsupported or isolated, may experience:

  • Educational disadvantages

  • Employment challenges

  • Discrimination

However, with early intervention, community support, and access to resources, people with all degrees of hearing impairment can lead fulfilling lives.

Diagnosis and Assessment

A complete diagnosis includes:

  • Pure-tone audiometry

  • Speech recognition testing

  • Tympanometry

  • Otoacoustic emissions (OAE)

Your audiologist will help determine whether your condition is best described as hearing loss or deafness, and recommend the right path forward.

Hearing Identity and Culture

Some people who are medically “deaf” may not identify as such, while others fully embrace the Deaf identity regardless of residual hearing.

Important distinctions:

  • “deaf” (lowercase): Refers to the medical condition

  • “Deaf” (capital D): Refers to Deaf culture and community

Deaf culture includes:

  • American Sign Language (ASL)

  • Shared social norms and history

  • A strong emphasis on visual communication

Note: Not all people with hearing loss wish to be part of Deaf culture, and that's okay. It's a personal choice based on experience and identity.

Final Thoughts

The terms hearing loss and deafness may sound similar, but they describe different experiences. Hearing loss exists on a spectrum—from mild inconvenience to profound impairment. Deafness, on the other hand, represents the complete or near-complete inability to hear, often requiring alternative forms of communication.

Whether you are experiencing mild changes in hearing or facing profound deafness, the key is early detection, proper support, and community understanding.