A statement regarding the severity or degree of hearing loss should include information about the functional impact of the hearing loss on everyday listening challenges.

Including information about the functional impact of hearing loss on everyday listening challenges is essential because it provides a comprehensive understanding of how the condition affects an individual's daily life. Severity alone, such as mild, moderate, or profound hearing loss, does not capture the real-world implications and communicative difficulties experienced by the person. For instance, someone with moderate hearing loss may struggle to follow conversations in noisy environments or miss out on important auditory cues, which could lead to social isolation or frustration. Addressing functional impacts helps in tailoring interventions and support, ensuring that hearing aids, communication strategies, or therapy are effectively aligned with the patient's specific needs and challenges in various listening scenarios. Thus, the statement recognizes the importance of contextualizing hearing loss in terms of daily life experiences, making it a vital part of understanding hearing health.