You may be acquainted with the various aspects contributing to hearing loss, including the impact of aging, genetic predisposition within families, or extended exposure to loud sounds. However, you may find it intriguing to understand the link between diabetes and hearing loss. Let us elaborate.
How is your risk of experiencing hearing loss raised by diabetes?
The prevalence of diabetes increases as you get older, and 37 million people, or 9% of the United States population, cope with this condition according to the CDC. Hearing loss is twice as prevalent in individuals with diabetes in comparison to people without the condition. 133 million Americans are pre-diabetic and even they have a 30% increased risk of experiencing hearing loss than people whose blood sugar is normal.
Various body areas can be impacted by diabetes: kidneys, hands, feet, eyes, and even ears. The degeneration of the small blood vessels inside of your ears can be accelerated by high blood sugar levels. In contrast, low blood sugar levels can interrupt the transmission of nerve signals from the inner ear to the brain. Both scenarios can contribute to hearing loss.
The lack of diabetes control triggers persistent high blood pressure, causing damage to the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, nerves, and eyes.
You may have hearing loss if you detect any of these signs
If you’re not actively monitoring the state of your hearing, hearing loss can gradually sneak up on you. In many cases, friends and colleagues might notice the problem before you become aware of it.
Here are a few signs of hearing loss:
- Difficulty following phone conversations
- Keeping the TV volume really loud
- Regularly needing people to repeat what they said
- Feeling as if people are mumbling when they talk
- Struggling in loud restaurants
If you encounter any of these difficulties or if somebody points out changes in your hearing, it’s essential to consult with us. We will conduct a hearing exam that will establish a baseline for future assessments and also address any balance-related concerns.
If you have diabetes, be proactive
We encourage all individuals with diabetes to get an annual hearing test.
Maintain your blood sugar levels within the desired range.
Avoid loud noises and shield your ears by using earplugs.