California Early Hearing Detection & Intervention (EHDI)

dB HL (Decibels Hearing Level)

The notation used on an audiogram where “0 dB HL” represents average or typical hearing in humans. A parent of a deaf child might encounter the term “dB HL” when discussing the results of their child’s audiogram with their audiologist. The audiologist may explain that “0 dB HL” represents typical hearing in humans, and then discuss where their child’s hearing falls on the scale.