Doctor Jean-Marc Sène has explained on French television why people can hear sounds without understanding spoken words, linking the problem to presbycusis.
Speaking on the morning show Bonjour! La Matinale TF1, Sène described how individuals frequently struggle to process speech despite hearing surrounding noises clearly. He noted that family members often have to repeat themselves when speaking to affected individuals.
According to Sène, hearing a sound does not automatically mean comprehending its meaning. He explained that this communication barrier is frequently driven by presbycusis, a condition in which high-pitched sounds disappear first.
Understanding Presbycusis and Hearing Loss
Presbycusis is the gradual, age-related loss of hearing that affects individuals as they grow older. It is one of the most widespread sensory impairments among aging adults worldwide, typically developing slowly over several years and affecting both ears equally.
The condition primarily damages tiny hair cells inside the cochlea, the fluid-filled structure in the inner ear responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical nerve signals. Because hair cells tuned to high frequencies are located near the base of the cochlea, they are often the first to deteriorate from aging or noise exposure.
High-pitched sounds play a vital role in human language clarity. High-frequency consonant sounds, such as s, f, t, and th, allow listeners to distinguish words from one another. When presbycusis reduces the ability to hear these specific frequencies, speech sounds muffled even though lower-pitched background noises remain easy to hear.
Because overall sound volume appears normal while clarity degrades, people with presbycusis often believe that others are mumbling. This leads to frequent misunderstandings and frustration during everyday conversations with family members and close acquaintances.
Medical Advice on Morning Television
The medical advice segment aired as part of the Allo le doc series on TF1, France's leading commercial television channel. The morning program feature regularly addresses common health questions and provides accessible medical explanations for broad audiences.
Dr Jean-Marc Sène is a widely recognized French sports physician and medical media presenter. He regularly appears on national broadcasts to explain complex physiological conditions and offer practical health advice to viewers.
Sène emphasized that recognizing the difference between sound detection and word comprehension is a crucial first step in identifying hearing impairment. Audiologists and medical professionals advise that early diagnostic testing can help individuals manage hearing changes effectively through tailored interventions.
