Hearing loss affects millions of people, significantly impacting their communication, social relationships, and quality of life. Often progressive, it can be insidious and difficult to detect in its early stages. Understanding the different degrees of hearing loss and their associated symptoms is crucial for early treatment and the adoption of appropriate solutions. At Spokeo, we are committed to providing you with clear information and concrete innovations to help you rediscover the joy of communication.

Classification of hearing loss: from mild discomfort to deafness

Hearing loss does not manifest uniformly; it presents a spectrum of severity. The audiogram, a diagnostic tool obtained during a hearing test, allows these degrees to be mapped, expressed in decibels (dB HL - Hearing Level), measuring the minimum sound volume a person can hear.

International Hearing Impairment Scale

Here are the recognized categories, based on the average of hearing thresholds at conversational frequencies:

• Normal hearing (0 to 20 dB HL): You can hear almost all sounds, even the quietest ones like a whisper.
• Mild loss (20 to 40 dB HL): Soft sounds and conversations in a noisy environment begin to be a problem.
• Moderate loss (40 to 70 dB HL): Following a normal conversation without effort becomes difficult. Repetitions are often necessary.
• Severe loss (70 to 90 dB HL): Most conversations are inaudible without the aid of a powerful amplification device.
• Profound loss (90 dB HL and above): Only very loud sounds are perceived, or the person no longer perceives any sound (deafness).

Mild loss (20-40 dB): when the first signs appear

At this stage, the indicators can be subtle and often attributed to fatigue, stress, or a noisy environment. Pay attention if you or your loved ones notice:

• Difficulty following group discussions, especially in busy places like restaurants.
• The occasional need to ask your interlocutors to repeat themselves.
• The common impression that people are mumbling or speaking too quickly.
• A tendency to turn up the volume of the television or radio beyond what is comfortable for others.

Moderate loss (40-70 dB): a more marked daily impact

At this level, the impact on daily life becomes more evident and may require coping strategies. Symptoms include:

• Persistent difficulty understanding conversations, even in quiet environments.
• The almost constant need to ask for repetitions.
• A gradual avoidance of noisy social situations, for fear of not understanding or being embarrassed.
• Increased auditory and general fatigue, due to the intense and continuous effort of understanding.

Severe to profound loss (70+ dB): a major communication challenge

At this stage, oral communication is severely impaired, if not impossible, without the intervention of powerful hearing assistive technologies or alternative communication strategies. Individuals may no longer perceive most environmental sounds, including their own voice or important alarm signals.

The many faces of symptoms and their repercussions

Beyond technical thresholds, hearing loss manifests itself through varied signs that evolve according to its severity and type, profoundly affecting general well-being.

Early warning signs: don't underestimate them

• Difficulty hearing high-pitched voices (children, women) or distinguishing consonants.
• Systematic increase in the volume of audio/video devices.
• Feeling that others are not speaking clearly, but rather "mumbling."
• Appearance of ringing or whistling in the ears (tinnitus).
• Unusual fatigue after social interactions.

Progressive conversational difficulties: the thread of communication becomes stretched

As hearing loss intensifies, communication challenges multiply, making exchanges increasingly difficult:

• Recurring problems monitoring phone conversations.
• Tendency to isolate oneself or avoid social gatherings where understanding is difficult.
• Frequent misunderstandings, which can generate frustration or tension in relationships.
• Feeling "off topic" or disconnected during group discussions.

Impact on social and professional life: isolation looms

Untreated hearing loss can have significant impacts on personal and professional development:

• Progressive social isolation, leading to feelings of loneliness and marginalization.
• Obstacles to performance or professional advancement.
• Increased levels of stress and anxiety.
• Frustration, irritability, even depression.

Psychological and cognitive repercussions: a global health issue

Numerous scientific studies have highlighted a strong link between untreated hearing loss and long-term cognitive consequences, including:

• An increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
• Difficulties with concentration and memorization.
• Constant mental fatigue, resulting from the intense effort to compensate for the lack of hearing.

Causes and risk factors: identify to better prevent

Hearing loss is a multifactorial phenomenon, the origins of which can be diverse.

Natural aging (presbycusis): the most common cause

This is the most common cause, gradually affecting both ears and primarily affecting the high frequencies essential for understanding speech. It often begins around the age of 50-60 and becomes more pronounced with age.

Traumatic noise exposure: protecting your ears is essential

Repeated or prolonged exposure to loud noise (noisy work environment, concerts, listening to music at high volume, using noisy tools) or acute sound trauma (explosion, gunshot) can irreversibly damage the hair cells of the inner ear.

Pathologies and infections: when general health impacts hearing

Certain illnesses (meningitis, mumps, measles, Ménière's disease, autoimmune disorders) or ear infections (untreated acute or chronic otitis media) can cause hearing loss, whether temporary or permanent.

Genetic and drug factors: predispositions and precautions

A family history of hearing loss may indicate a genetic predisposition. Additionally, certain so-called "ototoxic" medications (certain antibiotics, chemotherapies, and strong diuretics) can have a detrimental effect on hearing.

Diagnosis and assessment: the first step towards better hearing

An accurate diagnosis, made by a hearing health professional, is the cornerstone for understanding the extent of the loss and defining the most appropriate solution.

Hearing tests and audiometry: the complete assessment

A complete hearing assessment , carried out by an ENT doctor or an audiologist, is essential. It generally includes pure tone audiometry (measuring the perception of pure tones at different frequencies) and speech audiometry (assessing speech understanding, crucial in everyday life).

Additional tests if necessary: ​​to deepen the diagnosis

Depending on the initial results, further tests may be prescribed to identify the exact cause and nature of the hearing loss (tympanometry, otoacoustic emissions, MRI, etc.).

Monitoring progress and therapeutic guidance: a personalized approach

Regular monitoring allows you to monitor the progression of your hearing loss and adjust your strategies. Based on the diagnosis, your professional will guide you toward the most appropriate and personalized solutions for your situation.

Solutions adapted to each degree of loss: Spokeo, an innovation for all

Fortunately, the arsenal of solutions for improving hearing has expanded considerably, offering new perspectives and a better quality of life.

Prevention and hearing protection: the first reflex

Whatever the degree of your hearing loss, prevention is essential to preserve your hearing capital:

• Limit your prolonged exposure to loud noises.
• Always use suitable hearing protection (earplugs, noise-cancelling headphones) in harsh sound environments.
• Adopt a healthy lifestyle: balanced diet, regular physical activity and stress management.

Spokeo Hearing Aids for Mild to Moderate Hearing Loss: Accessibility Reimagined

For mild to moderate hearing loss, Spokeo offers a revolutionary solution. Positioned as a **listening assistant** and not a medical hearing aid, it does not require a prescription, making access to better hearing immediate and simplified. Spokeo's **patented bi-conductive technology** is a major asset, allowing optimal sound transmission even in the presence of earwax plugs , a common problem that can mask mild hearing loss.

Spokeo is ideal for:

• Clarify conversations in noisy environments , such as restaurants or family settings.
• Hear TV, radio, or phone calls better thanks to its Bluetooth connectivity.
• Rediscover the pleasure of all social interactions effortlessly.
• Offer a simple and discreet solution, particularly appreciated by seniors and their caregivers .

Hearing Aids for Moderate to Severe Loss: The Medical Solution

For more significant hearing loss (moderate to profound), traditional hearing aids , prescribed and fitted by a hearing care professional, remain the gold standard. They are designed to precisely compensate for the affected frequencies and are often accompanied by rigorous medical monitoring.

Spokeo Technology: A Key Innovation for Improving Communication

Spokeo's approach is to put technology at the service of humans. Its "Smart Mic" and its "dual conduction" technology make it a powerful solution for everyday communication challenges. It is a French innovation, recognized at the Concours Lépine, which aims to **democratize access to better hearing** and facilitate the role of healthcare professionals and healthcare institutions in communication. Choosing a solution according to the degree of hearing loss like Spokeo can be a decisive step in regaining an active social life and limiting the psychological and cognitive repercussions of hearing loss.

This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. If you have any concerns or experience symptoms of hearing loss, it is important to consult an ENT specialist or audiologist for an accurate diagnosis and personalized advice.