What decibel range defines "Profound" hearing loss?

"Profound" hearing loss is characterized by a hearing threshold of 90 decibels (dB) or greater. At this level, individuals may only perceive environmental sounds at an intense level and have significant difficulty understanding speech without the aid of listening devices or other forms of support. This classification is crucial as it helps educators and professionals tailor their teaching strategies and communication methods for students with severe hearing challenges.

The other ranges provided do not meet the criteria for profound hearing loss: 71 to 90 dB indicates a range for severe hearing loss, while 56 to 70 dB typically falls under moderate to severe hearing loss. The range of 16 to 25 dB is considered normal hearing and represents minimal hearing loss, which does not apply to profound hearing loss. Understanding these thresholds is essential in supporting individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing effectively.