Hearing loss: what solutions are available in France?

One in 10 people in France report some level of hearing loss (perte auditive), according to a EuroTrak study.

While men over 70 are particularly at risk, hearing loss can affect people of all ages. A 2026 survey reportedly found that 60% of French people under 25 had experienced hearing difficulties linked specifically to noise exposure from concerts or headphones.

First signs

The first signs of hearing loss often include difficulty following conversations on the phone, hearing the television or understanding speech in places with background noise.

Some people also experience tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears). Earache and dizziness can accompany certain conditions affecting the ear, but are not typical signs of hearing loss itself.

Your GP can carry out an initial examination to check for possible causes such as a build-up of earwax (bouchon de cérumen) or an ear infection. These may be treatable, although the time needed for hearing to improve will depend on the cause.

If necessary, your GP can refer you to an ear, nose and throat specialist, known in France as an ORL (oto-rhino-laryngologiste).

They can carry out a comprehensive hearing assessment, usually involving an audiogram. You will be asked to listen to different tones and frequencies through headphones and indicate when you hear a sound. Other tests may assess how well you understand speech.

The specialist will also look for possible underlying causes, such as a perforated or inflamed eardrum, fluid behind the eardrum or conditions affecting the inner ear. Further investigations, such as an MRI (IRM), may be recommended if necessary.

Hearing aids

If your hearing is significantly impaired, a doctor may prescribe hearing aids, which you can obtain from a specialist known as an audioprothésiste.

They must provide a standardised quote showing at least one option covered by the 100% Santé scheme. Introduced in stages from 2019 and fully implemented for hearing aids in 2021, the scheme provides access to a defined range of devices with no remaining cost for people covered by the state health insurance and a qualifying complementary health policy (mutuelle).

Other models, known as category II devices, have freely set prices and may involve additional costs depending on your insurance cover.

You are entitled to a free trial lasting at least 30 days before deciding whether to buy. You should not feel pressured into making an immediate decision.

Kathryn Gardiner, 78, lives in Paris and first noticed hearing problems six years ago.

“The audioprothésiste gave me a detailed breakdown of the options from basic to higher-end,” she said.

“I chose a higher-end option, which meant covering some of the cost myself.

“I particularly wanted to link them to my iPhone via Bluetooth in order to listen to music, and I wanted the kind that recharges overnight, not the battery-operated version.

“After CPAM refunds and health insurance, my contribution was about €1,500.”

Kathryn replaced her hearing aids after six years, this time paying €1,800.

“I tried a mid-priced option for a couple of weeks, then went for the next highest, and I find them an improvement on the previous ones.”

The standard period before hearing aids can normally be renewed with reimbursement from the health insurance system is four years.

Other treatments

Hearing aids do not help everyone. Some people with severe hearing loss may benefit from a cochlear implant, a device surgically fitted to stimulate the auditory nerve.

Your ORL specialist can explain whether this might be suitable, along with the potential benefits and risks of the operation.

‘The French are very forgiving’

Briton Helen Simpson divides her time between the UK and a home in Pas-de-Calais. She has been deaf since the age of seven.

“I’ve noticed that the French are much more forgiving of my hesitation before speaking,” she said, “and on the whole they are patient with my communication, whereas in the UK I’m often talked over.

“If I don’t answer straight away, British people often assume it’s a choice because I’m rude or grumpy.

“When I tell people I’m deaf, British people often say ‘I’m so sorry’, then don’t actually know what to do, whereas in France they’re much quicker to go to ‘problem solving’.

“For those reasons, I’m inclined to spend as much time as possible in my house in France.

“I also think the location counts: we’re in rural France, but when I used to live in Paris they were very unforgiving!”