Sound, in general, is measured in units called “decibels.” Hearing loss is measured by noting what decibel levels an individual has difficulty hearing. For instance, mild hearing loss is recognized as difficulty in hearing softer tones in the 20-40 decibel range (e.g., certain consonant sounds in normal speech). Profound hearing loss, on the other end of the spectrum, is the inability to hear large sounds of 95 decibels or more (e.g., a motorcycle).