You might be familiar with the various aspects contributing to hearing loss, including the impact of aging, genetic predisposition within families, or prolonged exposure to loud noises. However, you may find it intriguing to discover the connection between diabetes and hearing loss. Allow us to 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 rises with age. Hearing loss is two times as prevalent in individuals with diabetes compared to people without 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.
Various body regions can be impacted by diabetes: kidneys, hands, feet, eyes, and even ears. High blood sugar levels can cause the degeneration of small blood vessels and nerves in the inner ears. Conversely, low blood sugar levels can interrupt the transmission of nerve signals from the inner ear to the brain. Worsened hearing loss can be the result of both scenarios.
The lack of diabetes control induces persistent high blood pressure, causing damage to the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, nerves, and eyes.
You might have hearing loss if you detect any of these signs
Hearing loss frequently occurs gradually and can go undetected if you aren’t actively paying attention. In many instances, 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
- Having a tough time hearing in loud places
- Keeping the TV volume really loud
- Regularly needing people to repeat what they said
- Feeling as if people are mumbling when they talk
It’s essential to contact us for a consultation if you experience any of these signs or if someone points out your hearing changes. We will carry out a hearing exam that will establish a baseline for future assessments and also address any balance-related concerns.
Be proactive if you have diabetes
Getting a yearly hearing test is important, and that’s especially true for someone who has diabetes.
Maintain control of your blood sugar levels.
Make use of ear protection and avoid overly loud settings.