Hearing loss currently affects nearly 7 million people in France. However, it often goes undiagnosed and is not adequately treated. This article will help you understand its causes, recognise the signs of hearing loss and find out about suitable solutions to help you cope better with it, or even take early action to protect your hearing.
What is hearing loss?
Hearing loss, also known as hypoacusis or deafness, refers to a partial or total reduction in the ability to perceive sounds. There are several forms of hearing impairment, each requiring specific support:
- Conductive hearing loss: damage to the outer or middle ear (eardrum, ossicles), caused, for example, by a build-up of earwax or an ear infection.
- Sensorineural hearing loss: damage to the inner ear (cochlea, auditory nerve) or the auditory nervous system, caused by ageing or repeated exposure to noise.
- Mixed hearing loss: affects the outer and inner ear, particularly in cases of noise-induced trauma combined, for example, with an ear infection.
Without treatment, it affects a person’s social and professional life and can delay a child’s language development.
What are the main causes of hearing loss in adults?
Natural ageing, also known as presbycusis, is the leading cause of progressive hearing loss, affecting mainly those over the age of 60. As we age, the hair cells in the inner ear deteriorate, leading to a gradual loss of hearing, which is usually first noticed after the age of 50.
Repeated
exposure to noise – such as at concerts, from noisy tools, or in noisy work environments (construction sites, industrial sites) – can lead to irreversible damage to the ear. Recurrent exposure to noise gradually damages the inner ear, particularly when sound levels exceed 85 dB.
Infections and diseases of the inner ear, such as otitis, labyrinthitis, otosclerosis or autoimmune disorders, can damage the structures of the ear.
Genetic or hereditary factors contribute to the development of certain forms of familial hearing loss, which may first appear in childhood or in adulthood.
Recognising the symptoms of hearing loss
Hearing loss often develops gradually. This makes diagnosis difficult, as the person adapts without realising it. Here’s how to spot the most common early signs of hearing loss:
- You often ask me to repeat myself
- You regularly turn up the volume on the television or the telephone
- Do you find it difficult to follow a group conversation?
- You can hear the sounds but don’t always understand the words
- Do you experience a whistling or ringing sound (tinnitus)?
- You have a feeling of blocked ears or pressure in your ears.
These early signs of mild hearing loss should serve as a warning. A free hearing test in Toulouse will help you assess your hearing quickly. Book an appointment now for a free hearing assessment at one of our centres in Toulouse and the surrounding area.
Diagnosing and testing your hearing
To make an accurate diagnosis, an audiologist carries out an audiogram. You can have a free hearing test in Toulouse by booking an appointment for a comprehensive hearing assessment.
This assessment includes a hearing test and, if necessary, further tests (tympanometry, otoacoustic emissions).
Hearing aid specialists are experts in fitting hearing aids and can advise you on the best Audition Bahuaud solutions.
Solutions for hearing loss
Fortunately, there are now many solutions available for hearing loss, whatever your age or the extent of your difficulty:
1. Hearing aids
Modern hearing aids are discreet, high-performance and tailored to your needs. They adapt to your lifestyle
: – Rechargeable
Bluetooth hearing aids –
Smartphone connectivity – Ambient
noise reduction Discover all the options on our Hearing Aids page.
2. Support from a hearing aid specialist
A successful hearing aid fitting requires a personalised aftercare programme. Our team is here to support you with
: – A comprehensive assessment and free hearing test in
Toulouse – A free, no-obligation trial –
Personalised
adjustments Find out more about our audiologist-led aftercare programme
3. Auditory rehabilitation
In some cases, rehabilitation is offered as a complementary measure, particularly for older people or following a long period without treatment.
4. Non-medical solutions
Some situations do not require a hearing aid, but rather occasional aids
: – Amplifying headphones for the
television – Mobile
transcription apps – Hearing accessories for the telephone
Explore our hearing accessories.
Our advice on how to prevent hearing loss and protect your hearing
Hearing loss is not inevitable. By recognising the symptoms early and taking the right steps, you can maintain your quality of life. To protect your hearing
: – Keep the volume of your headphones to 60 per cent of the maximum.
– Take breaks every hour in noisy environments.
– Wear suitable ear protection on building sites or at concerts.
– Have regular check-ups: a hearing test every two years from the age of 50.
Why have a free hearing test in Toulouse?
A free hearing test in Toulouse allows you to
: – Detect any form of hearing problem at an early stage.
– Identify the type of hearing loss (conductive, sensorineural or mixed).
– Receive professional, personalised advice.
– Access tailored solutions with no obligation.
Take advantage of a free hearing test in Toulouse to assess your hearing.
