Which measurement indicates the degree of hearing loss?

Hearing Level (HL) is a standardized measure used to indicate the degree of hearing loss in audiology. It's defined in decibels (dB) relative to a reference level that is considered normal hearing for a given frequency range, typically averaged across various frequencies relevant to speech. When audiologists perform hearing tests, they use the Hearing Level measurement to determine thresholds for an individual's hearing capabilities in relation to normal hearing.

Using HL allows for consistent communication about hearing loss severity, making it easier to assess and compare results across different patients and testing environments. Other measurements like Sound Pressure Level (SPL) and Intensity Level (IL) relate to sound measurement conditions or intensity, but they do not specifically represent the degree of hearing loss as related to an individual's thresholds. Decibel Level (dB), while crucial for expressing sound levels, is not in itself a measure of hearing loss but rather a unit of measurement used in the context of SPL, HL, and IL.