You might be acquainted with the various aspects contributing to hearing loss, such as the impact of getting older, genetic predisposition within families, or extended exposure to loud sounds. However, you may find it intriguing to discover the link between diabetes and hearing impairment. Allow us to elaborate.
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 rises with age. Hearing loss is twice as prevalent in individuals with diabetes in comparison to individuals who don’t have the condition. Even in pre-diabetics, constituting 133 million Americans, the rate of hearing loss is 30% higher than in individuals with normal blood sugar levels.
Diabetes can cause nerve damage across a variety of bodily regions, encompassing the hands, feet, eyes, kidneys, and ears. Elevated 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 interrupted by low blood sugar. Worsened hearing loss can be the outcome of both situations.
The lack of diabetes control triggers persistent high blood pressure, leading to damage to the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, nerves, and eyes.
Signs you may have hearing loss
If you aren’t actively monitoring the condition of your hearing, hearing loss can slowly sneak up on you. In many cases, friends and colleagues may notice the problem before you become aware of it.
Some suggestive signs of hearing loss include:
- Trouble hearing on the phone
- Constantly needing people to repeat what they said
- Feeling as if people are mumbling when they speak
- Struggling in noisy establishments
- Keeping the TV volume at a high level
It’s important to contact us for a consultation if you notice any of these signs or if somebody points out your hearing changes. We will conduct a hearing test that will establish a baseline for future assessments and also deal with any balance-related challenges.
If you have diabetes, be proactive
Getting a yearly hearing test is important, and that’s especially true for someone who has diabetes.
Keep your blood sugar levels within the desired range.
Steer clear of loud noises and safeguard your ears by wearing earplugs.