You might be familiar with the various aspects contributing to hearing loss, like the impact of getting older, genetic predisposition within families, or extended exposure to loud sounds. However, you might find it interesting to understand the link between diabetes and hearing impairment. Let’s dig a little bit deeper into that.
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. Hearing loss is twice as prevalent in individuals with diabetes compared to people who don’t have the condition. 133 million Americans are pre-diabetic and even they have a 30% increased risk of experiencing hearing loss than individuals whose blood sugar is normal.
Diabetes can cause nerve damage across a variety of bodily regions, including the hands, feet, eyes, kidneys, and ears. The degeneration of the small blood vessels inside of your ears can be accelerated by elevated blood sugar levels. And on the other end of the spectrum, the transmission of nerve signals from the inner ear can be disrupted by low blood sugar. Worsened hearing loss can be the outcome of both situations.
Damage to the kidneys, heart, nerves, eyes, and blood vessels can be caused by persistent high blood pressure due to uncontrolled diabetes.
Signs you might be dealing with hearing loss
Hearing loss frequently occurs gradually and can go unnoticed if you aren’t actively paying attention. 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:
- Difficulty following phone conversations
- Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
- Perceiving others as mumbling
- Always having to turn up the volume of your devices and TV
- Struggling in noisy 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. After carrying out a hearing screening, we will establish a baseline for future visits and help you with any problems you may be having with balance.
Be proactive if you have diabetes
Getting a yearly hearing exam is important, and that’s especially true for someone who has diabetes.
Keep control of your blood sugar levels.
Avoid loud noises and shield your ears by wearing earplugs.