Genetic predisposition, aging, and extended exposure to loud noise are all familiar factors that can contribute to hearing loss. But the link between hearing loss and diabetes is not as well known. Allow us to elaborate.
How does diabetes increase your risk of hearing loss?
The prevalence of diabetes increases as you get older, and 37 million individuals, or 9% of the United States population, cope with this condition according to the CDC. Hearing loss is two times as prevalent in individuals with diabetes compared to people without the condition. Even in pre-diabetics, constituting 133 million Americans, the rate of hearing loss is 30% higher than in people with normal blood sugar levels.
Diabetes can cause nerve damage across various bodily areas, encompassing the hands, feet, eyes, kidneys, and 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 disrupted by low blood sugar. Both scenarios can worsen hearing loss.
The lack of diabetes management induces chronic high blood pressure, causing damage to the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, nerves, and eyes.
Signs you might be dealing with hearing loss
Hearing loss frequently occurs slowly and can go unnoticed if you’re not actively paying attention. It’s not uncommon for people close to you to observe your hearing loss before you notice it.
Here are a few signs of hearing loss:
- Perceiving others as mumbling
- Trouble hearing on the phone
- Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
- Keeping the TV volume at a high level
- Struggling in loud restaurants
It’s important to contact us for a consultation if you experience any of these signs or if someone points out your hearing changes. We will carry out a hearing examination that will establish a baseline for future assessments and also address any balance-related concerns.
If you have diabetes, be proactive
We encourage anybody who has diabetes to get a yearly hearing test.
Keep your blood sugar levels within the desired range.
Steer clear of loud noises and protect your ears by wearing earplugs.