Your Risk of Hearing Loss is Increased by Diabetes

You might be familiar with the numerous aspects contributing to hearing loss, including the impact of getting older, genetic predisposition within families, or extended exposure to loud noises. However, you might find it interesting to discover the connection between diabetes and hearing loss. Let us elaborate.

How is your risk of developing hearing loss raised by diabetes?

As per the CDC, 9% or 37 million individuals in the United States are diagnosed with diabetes, and this prevalence increases with age. And if you have diabetes, you’re two times as likely to experience hearing loss. Even in pre-diabetics, constituting 133 million Americans, the degree of hearing loss is 30% higher than in individuals with normal blood sugar levels.

Various body areas can be affected by diabetes: kidneys, hands, feet, eyes, and even ears. High blood sugar levels can lead to 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.

Damage to the kidneys, heart, nerves, eyes, and blood vessels can be caused by chronic high blood pressure resulting from uncontrolled diabetes.

You might have hearing loss if you detect any of these signs

Hearing loss frequently develops gradually and can go undetected if you’re not actively paying attention. In many situations, friends and colleagues may observe the issue before you identify it.

Here are a few signs of hearing loss:

• Constantly needing people to repeat what they said
• Always having to crank up the volume of your devices and TV
• Trouble following phone conversations
• Having a tough time hearing in loud places
• Feeling like people are mumbling when they speak

It’s important to contact us for a consultation if you notice any of these signs or if someone points out your hearing changes. After doing a hearing screening, we will establish a baseline for future visits and help you with any issues you may be having with balance.

Be proactive if you have diabetes

We encourage all individuals who has diabetes to get an annual hearing test.

Keep your blood sugar levels within the desired range.

Avoid loud noises and safeguard your ears by wearing earplugs.