Which term refers to the extent of hearing loss and the resulting range of communication difficulties?

The term that refers to the extent of hearing loss and the resulting range of communication difficulties is the severity of hearing loss. This concept encompasses how significant the hearing impairment is and includes a spectrum from mild to profound loss, affecting an individual's ability to hear sounds, understand speech, and engage in effective communication. Understanding the severity of hearing loss is crucial for tailoring appropriate interventions and support strategies, particularly in music therapy and other therapeutic practices.

Decibel level specifically measures the intensity of sound but does not directly indicate how it affects communication or the severity of hearing loss. Auditory processing involves how the brain interprets sounds, rather than the degree of hearing loss itself. Sound discrimination refers to the ability to differentiate between different sounds, which is a skill that can be affected by hearing loss but does not encompass the overall degree of impairment or communication difficulties experienced by an individual. Thus, severity of hearing loss is the most accurate term to describe the level of hearing impairment and its impact on communication.