On February 24, 2025, Valérie Bénaïm made her triumphant return to the French talk show Touche pas à mon poste (TPMP) after being absent for over two months due to serious health issues. The lively host expressed her joy at being back on the show, which had grown to feel like home. Her extended absence stemmed from her recent medical struggles, including the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of otospongiosis, a degenerative condition impacting her hearing.
Mildly emotional, Valérie shared her experiences during the show as host Cyril Hanouna welcomed her back. "I’m very happy," she said when asked about her return. "This summer, I discovered I had what is called an autoimmune disease, and it’s degenerative. It’s called otospongiosis, which, over time, can lead to deafness," she explained, shedding light on her health condition which, as she revealed, can often be difficult to treat.
While surgery offered some hope, Valérie faced unexpected challenges during her recovery. "The operation went well, but unfortunately, I had some minor post-operative complications which meant I took over two months to return instead of three weeks, as planned," she recounted, reflecting on the hurdles encountered during her healing process. Despite still being on the mend, she likened her current state to being on a ship at sea: "You wobble a bit; I feel like I’m on a boat." Yet her spirit remained high, grateful for the opportunity to return to the show and to its loyal audience.
During this emotional comeback, Bénaïm took time to thank her colleagues and fans. "I wanted to really thank you all because during these moments, one feels quite fragile, and your love, your support, and kindness has been incredible. Thank you to the viewers, infinitely," she expressed, radiantly appreciative of the encouragement she received from those around her. The supportive environment of TPMP, as she noted, played a significant role in her emotional recovery.
Her sincere words struck a chord with many viewers who had followed her absence closely, some sending messages of encouragement. Within the entertainment community, her struggle has been particularly noted, with other celebrities also facing similar battles. Another well-known personality suffering from otospongiosis is Frédéric Lopez, the presenter from Rendez-vous en terre inconnue. Lopez, who also opened up about his struggles with hearing loss, described living with the condition, stating, "I have 50% of my faculties and tinnitus, comparable to the sound of a vacuum cleaner running continuously. It’s complicated when your job is all about listening. But that's how it is; I accept it."
Otospongiosis, the condition affecting both Bénaïm and Lopez, is relatively rare, impacting about two individuals per thousand and appears to affect women twice as often as men. This condition results from the abnormal remodeling of the ear bone, causing progressively diminishing hearing—an alarming reality for those whose careers depend on auditory engagement.
Valérie Bénaïm’s return not only highlights her resilience but also shines a light on the various challenges faced by public figures living with health issues. Her forthright discussion of her struggles with otospongiosis emphasizes the importance of support both personally and professionally, advocating for empathy and awareness surrounding hearing conditions.
With the broadcast of TPMP scheduled to end on February 28, 2025, Bénaïm's return stands as both significant and timely, allowing her to reconnect with her audience before the show's anticipated closure. Her heartfelt gratitude and determination to keep moving forward resonate not just with fans but also serve as inspiration for those dealing with similar challenges.
Valérie Bénaïm’s return to TPMP is more than just another chapter within the show; it’s also a powerful reminder of the strength found within the supportive community and the resilience against personal health battles.