Genetic predisposition, aging, and extended exposure to loud noise are all common factors that can contribute to hearing loss. However, you might find it interesting to discover the link between diabetes and hearing loss. Let us elaborate.
How does diabetes raise your risk of hearing loss?
As per the CDC, 9% or 37 million individuals in the United States are diagnosed with diabetes, and this prevalence increases with age. Hearing loss is two times as prevalent in people with diabetes in comparison to those without the condition. Even in pre-diabetics, constituting 133 million Americans, the degree of hearing loss is 30% higher than in individuals with normal blood sugar levels.
A variety of body regions can be impacted by diabetes: kidneys, hands, feet, eyes, and even ears. High blood sugar levels can cause the deterioration of small blood vessels and nerves in the inner ears. In contrast, low blood sugar levels can interrupt the transmission of nerve signals from the inner ear to the brain. Both situations can worsen hearing loss.
Damage to the kidneys, heart, nerves, eyes, and blood vessels can be caused by chronic high blood pressure due to uncontrolled diabetes.
You may have hearing loss if you notice any of these signs
If you’re not actively monitoring the state of your hearing, hearing loss can gradually sneak up on you. It’s not unusual for people close to you to observe your hearing loss before you notice it.
Here are a few signs of hearing loss:
- Struggling in noisy establishments
- Feeling as if people are mumbling when they speak
- Difficulty following phone conversations
- Always having to turn the volume up on your devices and TV
- Regularly needing people to repeat what they said
It’s important to call us for a consultation if you experience any of these signs or if somebody points out your hearing changes. We will perform a hearing examination that will establish a baseline for future assessments and also deal with any balance-related concerns.
Be proactive if your navigating diabetes
We encourage anyone who has diabetes to get a yearly hearing check.
Maintain your blood sugar levels within the desired range.
Steer clear of loud noises and protect your ears by wearing earplugs.
