By severity

Profound hearing loss

PTA 91120 dB HL (Pure Tone Average at 500, 1000, 2000 Hz)

Beyond hearing aid range for most users. Cochlear implants may be appropriate — consult an ENT and audiologist. Power BTE hearing aids may help select users.

US prevalence

0.4M

Americans with profound hearing loss

Source: NIDCD

What you typically experience

  • Cannot detect most speech sounds without amplification
  • May rely primarily on sign language or lipreading
  • Cochlear implant candidacy evaluation recommended

Recommended device classes

  • Independent audiologist fitting

This severity is beyond what most Costco aids can handle. An audiologist will fit with appropriate Power BTE or BTE form factors.

Adjacent severities

Next step

For a personalized device-class recommendation with matched products, run your audiogram through the interpreter. If you already have a Costco Kirkland aid and want to know who made it, use the Translator.

Last reviewed June 2026. Severity classification per NIDCD. HearingAidMatch provides general guidance based on FDA, NIDCD, and manufacturer-published data. Not medical advice. Verified severity at midpoint: Profound hearing loss.