Hearing Aids and 100% Health: everything you need to know

Hearing loss affects more than 6 million people in France, yet fewer than a third of those affected wear a hearing aid. The main reason cited remains the fear of cost. Since the 100 % Santé reform, fully in effect since January 2021, Class I hearing aids are now accessible with zero out-of-pocket cost. Here is everything you need to know before visiting an audiologist.

How does a hearing aid work?

A hearing aid is a precision medical device: it captures environmental sounds via a microphone, digitally processes them to amplify the deficient frequencies, and delivers them to the ear canal. Each device is individually programmed by a State-Registered Audiologist based on the results of your hearing assessment and your lifestyle.

There are three main types:

• Behind-the-ear (BTE): robust and powerful, suitable for severe to profound hearing loss.
• In-the-ear (ITE / CIC): housed in the ear canal, almost invisible. Suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss.
• Receiver-in-canal (RITE / RIC): the most common today, offering a good balance between discretion, comfort and acoustic performance.

The choice depends on the type and degree of hearing loss, but also on your preferences: discretion, ease of handling, Bluetooth connectivity and battery life.

The 100% Santé reform: what it means for you

Since 1 January 2021, hearing aids are subject to a dual-basket system.

Class I — zero out-of-pocket cost

These devices are accessible at no charge for patients with a responsible complementary health insurance (which covers the vast majority of French mutual insurance policies). The guaranteed basket includes: induction charging or standard battery, minimum 12 adjustment channels, several programmes adapted to sound environments, and a 4-year guarantee.

Class II — optional equipment

These devices offer more advanced technologies: multi-device Bluetooth connectivity, noise processing in difficult environments, fast charging, miniaturised design. They carry a variable out-of-pocket cost depending on your health insurance contract. It is recommended to check your coverage before fitting.

Steps to obtain a hearing aid

1. ENT consultation: the specialist diagnoses and issues a fitting prescription.
2. Audiological assessment: the audiologist measures your hearing in different situations. Hearing screening is free at our clinic.
3. Trial period: a minimum 30-day trial is mandatory before any purchase. You test the device in your daily life.
4. Fitting and customised settings: the audiologist programmes the devices based on your feedback and adjusts to your needs.
5. 1-year follow-up: 4 follow-up appointments are included in the regulated tariff during the first year.

What about renewal?

A hearing aid has an average lifespan of 4 to 5 years. Regulations provide for renewal every 4 years for adults (every 2 years for children under 20 and certain specific conditions). Regular follow-up with your audiologist allows settings to be adjusted to changes in your hearing and prolongs the lifespan of your devices.

Why consult a State-Registered Audiologist?

The State-Registered Audiologist (D.E.) is the only healthcare professional authorised to carry out the audiological assessment and dispense hearing aids. Their master’s level training (5 years of study after the baccalauréat) guarantees fitting adapted to your individual hearing profile. The relationship of trust with your audiologist is essential: fitting is a progressive process that requires regular adjustments to provide you with optimal long-term comfort.

Book an appointment in Aigre (16140)

Would you like to have your hearing assessed or try a hearing aid? The Son Pour Son clinic, located at the Maison de Santé Départementale in Aigre, Charente (16140), offers free, no-commitment hearing screenings. Book your appointment online or by phone — Elea MANE, State-Registered Audiologist, welcomes you in a calm, adapted setting.