From the age of 50, the gradual disappearance of hair cells, specialized in hearing, means that we hear less well.

A phenomenon not to be taken lightly, because it can affect our cognitive capacities, explains doctor Jimmy Mohamed, health consultant of Europe 1. 

It is an organ that we do not necessarily think to protect, and which is however more fragile than the eye: the ear.

Indeed, as explained by doctor Jimmy Mohamed, health consultant of Europe 1, a poorer functioning of the latter is not only synonymous with hearing loss, but also more serious consequences… Reason why the doctor recommends the greatest vigilance, from the first warning signals. 

>> Find Jimmy Mohamed's column every morning at 8:37 am on Europe 1 as well as in replay and podcast here

A higher risk of Alzheimer's in the hearing impaired

We all have specialized cells in our ears called hair cells.

With age - from the age of 50 - their gradual disappearance causes hearing loss: it is estimated that today in France, 10 million people are hearing impaired.

And if at first glance, hearing less well may not seem like a major problem, the phenomenon often leads to two others, which are much more so. 

The first is social exclusion.

People who hear less well as they get older tend to stay alone and no longer participate in community life.

And then, the second is that poor hearing leads to brain remodeling and a decline in cognitive abilities, even your memory.

It is thus estimated that the hearing-impaired elderly are more at risk of having, in particular, Alzheimer's disease.

Difficulty hearing in a noisy atmosphere

How, then, to stop the phenomenon in time?

By consulting as soon as possible.

Around your 50s, the first sign that should alarm you is having difficulty understanding a conversation in a noisy atmosphere.

There are also other clues that are more obvious, such as having to turn up the sound of the radio or the TV.

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In these cases, it is time to make an appointment with the ENT, to do a hearing test.

Otherwise, there are simpler and less expensive solutions, such as the Hora application, created by the Hearing Foundation, which allows you to measure your hearing in three minutes.

You are asked to write down figures that you listen to with headphones, for a diagnosis that can be improved but which can constitute a first warning signal. 

In all cases, and at any age, it is also advisable to rest your ears, like your eyes.

When working from home, if you have a headset or earphones, take a 15-minute break to "air" your ears, every two to three hours.

And avoid turning on the radio or the TV at full blast: an average volume is more than enough.