Yes, 50% hearing loss is considered deaf. Although hearing loss is usually measured on a spectrum, any hearing loss of 50% or more is considered severe and can be classified as deafness. Hearing loss can occur gradually over time, or it can be sudden.
When hearing loss is at 50% or over, an individual may be unable to understand speech or other sounds without the help of hearing aids or other assistive listening devices. At this level of hearing loss, an individual may be unable to hear most of what is being said in a conversation, or may have difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments.
It is important to note that deafness is not a uniform condition. Some people with 50% hearing loss may be able to understand speech without assistance, while others may need the use of hearing aids, cochlear implants, or other assistive technologies. Additionally, deafness can be impacted by an individual's age, educational background, and language skills.
In conclusion, 50% hearing loss is considered deaf. While hearing loss can vary greatly from person to person, individuals with hearing loss of 50% or more may require the use of assistive technology in order to understand speech.