Degree of Hearing Loss Chart – ASHA | ANSI | WHO: Hearing loss is a prevalent condition that significantly affects an individual’s quality of life. The ability to classify the degree of hearing loss is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate interventions. This article explores the history of developing the degree of hearing loss charts, various classification models, and the role of audiograms in understanding and treating hearing impairments.

Over the years, several models have been developed to categorize the degree of hearing loss, providing valuable insights for both clinicians and researchers. In this article, we delve into the history of developing the degree of hearing loss charts and explore classifications from different authors and organizations.

Historical Development of Hearing Loss Classification

The classification of hearing loss has undergone a remarkable evolution over the years. The need for standardized classifications led to the development of hearing loss charts, providing a framework for assessing the severity of hearing impairments. This section explores the historical context and the importance of having standardized classifications in the field of audiology.

Degree of Hearing Loss Charts

Various researchers and organizations have proposed different classifications for the degree of hearing loss. Among them, Goodman (1965), Lloyd and Kaplan (1978), Jerger and Jerger (1980), Northern and Downs (2002), and ANSI (2004) have contributed significantly to this field. Each classification is based on specific audiometric thresholds, allowing for a standardized approach to assessing hearing impairment.

Goodman’s Classification (1965)

• Normal: <26 dBHL
• Mild: 26 – 40 dBHL
• Moderate: 41 – 55 dBHL
• Moderately Severe: 56 – 70 dBHL
• Severe: 71 – 90 dBHL
• Profound: >90 dBHL

Lloyd and Kaplan’s Classification (1978)

• Normal: <26 dBHL
• Mild: 26 – 40 dBHL
• Moderate: 41 – 55 dBHL
• Moderately Severe: 56 – 70 dBHL
• Severe: 71 – 90 dBHL
• Profound: >90 dBHL

Jerger and Jerger’s Classification (1980)

• Normal: <21 dBHL
• Mild: 26 – 40 dBHL
• Moderate: 41 – 60 dBHL
• Severe: 61 – 80 dBHL
• Profound: >80 dBHL

Northern and Downs’ Classification (2002)

• Normal: <16 dBHL
• Minimal: 16 – 25 dBHL
• Mild: 26 – 30 dBHL
• Moderate: 31 – 50 dBHL
• Severe: 51 – 70 dBHL
• Profound: >70 dBHL

ANSI’s Classification (2004)

• Normal: <16 dBHL
• Minimal: 16 – 25 dBHL
• Mild: 26 – 40 dBHL
• Moderate: 41 – 55 dBHL
• Moderately Severe: 56 – 70 dBHL
• Severe: 71 – 90 dBHL
• Profound: >90 dBHL

Degree of Hearing Loss According to ASHA and WHO

In addition to individual researchers, professional organizations like the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have established their own classifications for the degree of hearing loss.

ASHA’s Classification

• Normal: <16 dBHL
• Minimal: 16 – 25 dBHL
• Mild: 26 – 40 dBHL
• Moderate: 41 – 55 dBHL
• Moderately Severe: 56 – 70 dBHL
• Severe: 71 – 90 dBHL
• Profound: >90 dBHL

WHO’s Classification

• Normal: <26 dBHL
• Mild: 26 – 40 dBHL
• Moderate: 41 – 55 dBHL
• Moderately Severe: 56 – 70 dBHL
• Severe: 71 – 90 dBHL
• Profound: >90 dBHL

These classifications are pivotal in guiding professionals in diagnosing and managing hearing loss, facilitating effective communication, and promoting the overall well-being of individuals with hearing impairments. The consistency across these classifications enables a standardized and universal understanding of the degree of hearing loss, fostering collaboration in research and clinical practice.

Evolution of Degree of Hearing Loss Charts

The history of the degree of hearing loss charts reveals the evolution of our understanding and classification of hearing impairments. One of the pioneering charts, developed by Goodman in 1965, outlined six categories:

• Normal (<26 dBHL)
• Mild (26 – 40 dBHL)
• Moderate (41 – 55 dBHL)
• Moderately Severe (56 – 70 dBHL)
• Severe (71 – 90 dBHL)
• Profound (>90 dBHL)

This early chart formed the basis for subsequent classifications, with Lloyd and Kaplan (1978) and Jerger and Jerger (1980) largely echoing Goodman’s categories with slight variations.

In 2002, Northern and Downs introduced a nuanced chart that included a ‘Minimal’ category (16 – 25 dBHL), emphasizing the importance of addressing even slight impairments.

Modern Classifications by ANSI, ASHA, and WHO

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) in 2004 introduced a classification closely aligned with Northern and Downs, adding ‘Minimal’ as the initial stage and maintaining the subsequent categories of mild, moderate, etc. This standardization aimed to offer a consistent framework for professionals across various sectors.

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) adopted a similar classification, aligning with ANSI and emphasizing the importance of early identification and intervention.

Moreover, the World Health Organization (WHO) also recognized the significance of these classifications, emphasizing the consistency in identifying and categorizing hearing impairments for global understanding and intervention strategies.

Degree of Hearing Loss Audiogram

Audiograms serve as graphical representations of an individual’s hearing abilities across different frequencies. These charts play a pivotal role in the assessment and diagnosis of hearing loss, providing a visual guide for audiologists to interpret and communicate results effectively.

In summary, the history of developing degree of hearing loss charts reflects the continuous effort to establish standardized classifications for hearing impairments. These classifications, proposed by various authors and organizations, serve as fundamental tools in audiology, guiding professionals in accurately diagnosing and addressing the diverse degrees of hearing loss. Additionally, audiograms enhance the precision of assessments, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s auditory profile.

Understanding the significance of these classifications and the role of audiograms is crucial for both professionals and individuals dealing with hearing loss. As we continue to advance in audiology, these tools will play an integral role in shaping effective interventions and improving the overall quality of life for those with hearing impairments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the journey through the degrees of hearing loss is a testament to the evolution of our understanding and classification of auditory impairments. From the pioneering work of Goodman in 1965 to the contemporary standards set by ANSI, ASHA, and WHO, each classification has contributed significantly to the standardization of assessments. These classifications, coupled with the crucial role of audiograms, empower professionals to diagnose and address hearing impairments accurately.

The historical development of hearing loss classification charts reflects the commitment of the audiology community to refining our comprehension and management of hearing impairments. Audiograms, as visual aids, enhance the precision of assessments, ensuring a nuanced understanding of an individual’s auditory profile. As we embrace these standardized tools, we pave the way for improved interventions and enhanced quality of life for those navigating the realm of hearing loss.

FAQs

1. Why are there different classifications for the degree of hearing loss?

• Answer: Different classifications exist due to evolving research, varied perspectives, and the need for standardized approaches. Each classification contributes uniquely to our understanding of hearing impairments.

2. How do audiograms enhance the assessment of hearing loss?

• Answer: Audiograms provide a visual representation of an individual’s hearing abilities, helping audiologists interpret and communicate results effectively. They play a crucial role in accurate diagnosis and intervention planning.

3. Why did Northern and Downs introduce a ‘Minimal’ category in 2002?

• Answer: The ‘Minimal’ category acknowledges slight impairments (16 – 25 dBHL) and emphasizes the importance of addressing even subtle hearing issues to prevent potential deterioration.

4. What role do ANSI, ASHA, and WHO classifications play in global understanding?

• Answer: ANSI, ASHA, and WHO classifications provide a standardized framework, fostering global collaboration in research and clinical practice. Consistency in identification and categorization is crucial for effective interventions.

5. How has the understanding of hearing loss evolved over the years?

• Answer: The historical development of hearing loss charts reflects the continuous effort to establish standardized classifications. Advances in research and technology, coupled with global collaboration, contribute to an evolving understanding of hearing impairments.

References:

Essentials of Audiology – Stanley A. Gelfand, PhD (Book)
Handbook of Clinical Audiology – JACK KATZ, Ph.D. (Book)
Auditory Diagnosis Principles and Applications – Shlomo Silman, Carol A. Silverman (Book)

You are reading about:

Degree of Hearing Loss Chart – ASHA | ANSI | WHO