Hearing Aid Expert Explains Difference Between Being Hard Of Hearing And Deaf

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 5% of the world's population suffers from disabling hearing loss.

You may have heard the expressions "hard of hearing" and "deaf." But what exactly do they mean? Is there a distinction between them? An expert of an ear machine clinic in Kolkata explains the difference between being hard of hearing and deaf below.

What is the distinction between hard of hearing and deafness?

The degree of hearing loss that has occurred distinguishes between being hard of hearing and being deaf. There are numerous levels of hearing loss, including:

• Mild: Sounds that are soft or subtle are difficult to hear.
• Moderate: Normal-volume speech or sounds are difficult to hear.
• Severe: Hearing loud sounds or conversation may be possible, but hearing anything at a regular volume level is extremely difficult.
• Profound: Only very loud noises or no sounds at all may be discernible.

The term "hard of hearing" refers to someone who has mild-to-severe hearing loss. Some hearing capacity is still there in these people.

Deafness, on the other hand, is a profound hearing loss. Deaf people hear little to no sounds, says the expert of the hearing aid centre in Kolkata.

What are the signs and symptoms of deafness?

Some of the symptoms of deafness are as follows:

• Having problems hearing other people, especially in busy environments or when more than one person is speaking
• Regularly needing to ask people to repeat themselves or to speak more loudly or slowly
• Having to crank up the volume on TV or headphones

If you suffer from these symptoms, consult an audiologist right away, says the expert of hearing loss treatment in Kolkata.