You might be acquainted with the numerous factors contributing to hearing loss, such as the impact of getting older, genetic predisposition within families, or prolonged exposure to loud noises. But the link between hearing loss and diabetes isn’t as widely known. Let’s dig a little deeper into that.
How is your risk of developing hearing loss raised by diabetes?
As per the CDC, 9% or 37 million people in the United States are diagnosed with diabetes, and this prevalence increases with age. And if you have diabetes, you’re twice as likely to experience hearing loss. 133 million Americans are pre-diabetic and even they have a 30% higher risk of developing hearing loss than individuals whose blood sugar is normal.
A variety of body regions can be affected by diabetes: kidneys, hands, feet, eyes, and even ears. Elevated blood sugar levels can cause the deterioration of small blood vessels and nerves in the inner ears. And on the other end of the spectrum, the transmission of nerve signals from the inner ear can be interrupted by low blood sugar. Worsened hearing loss can be the outcome of both scenarios.
The lack of diabetes management causes persistent high blood pressure, causing damage to the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, nerves, and eyes.
You might have hearing loss if you notice any of these signs
If you’re not actively monitoring the condition of your hearing, hearing loss can slowly sneak up on you. It’s not unusual for people close to you to notice your hearing loss before you become aware of it.
Some suggestive signs of hearing loss include:
- Trouble hearing on the phone
- Perceiving others as mumbling
- Keeping the TV volume at a high level
- Regularly needing people to repeat what they said
- Having a hard time hearing in loud places
If you encounter any of these challenges or if someone points out changes in your hearing, it’s important to consult with us. After doing a hearing exam, we will set up a baseline for future visits and help you with any problems you may be having with balance.
Be proactive if your navigating diabetes
We encourage all individuals with diabetes to get a yearly hearing test.
Maintain your blood sugar levels within the desired range.
Use ear protection and avoid overly loud settings.
