You might be acquainted with the numerous factors contributing to hearing loss, like the impact of aging, genetic predisposition within families, or extended exposure to loud noises. But the link between hearing loss and diabetes is not as widely known. Allow us to elaborate.
How is your risk of developing hearing loss increased by diabetes?
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 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, 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. In contrast, low blood sugar levels can disrupt the transmission of nerve signals from the inner ear to the brain. Worsened hearing loss can be the outcome of both situations.
Damage to the kidneys, heart, nerves, eyes, and blood vessels can be caused by chronic high blood pressure resulting from unchecked diabetes.
You might have hearing loss if you detect any of these signs
If you aren’t actively monitoring the condition of your hearing, hearing loss can gradually sneak up on you. It’s not unusual for people close to you to observe your hearing loss before you notice it.
Some suggestive signs of hearing loss include:
- Having a difficult time hearing in noisy places
- Trouble following phone conversations
- Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
- Perceiving others as mumbling
- Keeping the TV volume at a high level
If you encounter any of these challenges or if somebody points out changes in your hearing, it’s worthwhile to consult with us. We will conduct a hearing examination that will establish a baseline for future assessments and also deal with any balance-related challenges.
If you have diabetes, be proactive
We encourage anybody with diabetes to get a yearly hearing test.
Maintain your blood sugar levels within the desired range.
Steer clear of loud noises and safeguard your ears by wearing earplugs.