National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) Practice Exam

A person who has a hearing capacity of less than 120 decibels (db) is considered to be what?

1. Have normal hearing

2. Slightly hearing impaired

3. Moderately hearing impaired

4. Deaf

The correct answer is: Deaf

The classification of a person's hearing capacity is determined by the intensity level of sounds they can perceive. A threshold of 120 decibels is significant in the context of hearing impairment. According to audiological standards, individuals who cannot perceive sounds below certain thresholds typically fall into specific categories based on the severity of their hearing loss. A person who has a hearing capacity of less than 120 decibels generally indicates severe hearing loss. This level is often used to differentiate between those who may be considered deaf and those who experience varying degrees of hearing impairment. Deafness is typically characterized by the inability to hear sounds that are normally perceivable, and when the threshold reaches around 120 decibels, this aligns with definitions used in hearing assessments for being classified as deaf. Individuals with lesser degrees of hearing impairment, such as slight or moderate hearing loss, would still be able to perceive sounds, but a capacity of less than 120 decibels suggests a significant inability to hear in a way that fulfills normal communication needs. Understanding these distinctions is important for professionals in therapeutic recreation and audiology to support individuals according to their specific hearing abilities and needs.