Severe to profound hearing loss - Guidance in an under-explored area
- Lani Morgan
- Jan 16
- 3 min read
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.²³ 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.⁶⁷
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
1. Counseling on continuum of hearing technologies
These conversations are vital to understanding that hearing aids need not be the final stop on their hearing journey.
2. Immediate consideration of remote microphones
Remote microphone technology should be considered at the same time as selection of hearing aids and/or cochlear implants.
3. Extra consideration when selecting and fitting hearing aids
In order to maintain audibility and support aided speech recognition, fitting approaches beyond the standard ‘initial fit’ are required.
4. Communication training and strategies
Beyond hearing technology, communication abilities can be enhanced with auditory skills training and communication strategies.
Interesting to know: 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 Triton Hearing offers continuous support for clients with severe to profound hearing loss based on the latest guidelines!
References:
(1) Carlsson, P., Hjaldahl. J., Magnuson, A., Terneval, E., Eden, M., Skagerskarand, A., & Jonsson, R. (2014). Severe to profound hearing impairment: quality of life, psychosocial consequences and audiological rehabilitation. Disability & Rehabilitation, Early Online: 1-8
(2) Gopinath, B., Schneider, J., McMahon, C. M., Burlutsky, G., Leeder, S. R., & Mitchell, P. (2013). Dual sensory impairment in older adults increases the risk of mortality: a population-based study. PloS one, 8(3), e55054. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0055054
(3) Turton, L., & Smith, P. (2013). Prevalence & characteristics of severe and profound hearing loss in adults in a UK National Health Service clinic. International Journal of Audiology, 52(2), 92-97. https://doi.org/10.3109/14992027.2012.73537
(4) Stevens, G., Flaxman, S., Brunskill, E., Mascarenhas, M., Mathers, C. D., &
Finucane, M. (2013). Global and regional hearing impairment prevalence: an analysis of 42 studies in 29 countries. The European Journal of Public Health, 23(1), 146–152.
(5) World Health Organization (WHO) (2012). Promoting ear and hearing care through CBR Community-Based Rehabilitation. World Health Organinzation. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/97/10/19-230367.pdf, accessed December 13th 2021.
(6) Hallam, R., Ashton, P., Sherbourne, K., & Gailey, L. (2008). Persons with acquired profound hearing loss (APHL): how do they and their families adapt to the challenge? Health, 12(3), 369–388. https://
(7) Grimby, A., & Ringdah, A. (2000) Does Having a Job Improve the Quality of Life among Post-Lingually Deafened Swedish Adults with Severe-Profound Hearing Impairment?, British Journal of Audiology, 34:3, 187-195, DOI: 10,3109/03005364000000128)
(8) Turton, L. (editor), Souza, P., Thibodeau, L., Hickson, L., Gifford, R., Bird, J., Stropahl, M., Gailey, L., Fulton, B., Scarinci, N., Ekberg, K., Timmer,B. (2020). Guidelines for Best Practice in the Audiological Management of Adults with Severe and Profound Hearing Loss. Seminars in Hearing, 41(3), 141–245.
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