Hearing Loss: how to detect it?

Hearing loss often develops gradually and insidiously. Many people live with a hearing deficit for years without realising it. Yet acting early radically changes the quality of care. How do you know if your hearing has changed?

1. Warning signs not to ignore

Certain everyday behaviours are frequent indicators of hearing loss:

You regularly turn up the volume on the television or radio, and people around you notice.

You often ask people to repeat themselves, especially on the phone or in noisy environments (restaurants, meetings, transport).

You struggle to follow conversations when several people are talking at once or in a large room.

You cannot hear high-pitched sounds (doorbells, children’s voices, certain musical instruments).

If several of these situations apply to you, a hearing assessment is recommended.

2. Types of hearing loss

Not all hearing loss is the same. The main types are:

Conductive hearing loss results from a mechanical dysfunction of the outer or middle ear (earwax blockage, otitis, otosclerosis). It is often treatable medically or surgically.

Sensorineural hearing loss involves the hair cells of the cochlea or the auditory nerve. This is the most common type in adults. It is not reversible but can be compensated for with hearing aids.

Mixed hearing loss combines both mechanisms.

3. Risk factors

Several factors increase the risk of developing hearing loss:

Age is the main factor. Presbycusis — age-related hearing loss — generally begins between the ages of 50 and 60.

Noise exposure, occupational (construction, industry, agriculture) or recreational (concerts, headphones), irreversibly accelerates the degradation of cochlear hair cells.

Family history plays a role: some forms of hearing loss have a genetic component.

Chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension can affect cochlear microcirculation.

4. How is hearing loss assessed?

The hearing assessment performed by your audiologist is the reference examination. It includes a tonal audiogram (hearing thresholds frequency by frequency) and a speech audiogram (speech understanding).

In France, hearing screening is free at an audiologist’s clinic, without a prior prescription.

5. Why consult without delay?

Studies show that people without hearing aids have an increased risk of cognitive decline, social isolation and depression. A well-fitted hearing aid significantly improves quality of life, social relationships and cognitive performance.

The 100 % Santé reform has made access to hearing aids completely free (zero out-of-pocket cost) for Class I devices. There is therefore no longer any financial reason to delay consultation.