Genetic predisposition, aging, and prolonged exposure to loud noise are all familiar factors that can contribute to hearing loss. But the link between hearing loss and diabetes is not as widely known. Allow us to 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, have this condition according to the CDC. Hearing loss is two times as prevalent in people with diabetes compared to people without the condition. Even in pre-diabetics, constituting 133 million Americans, the degree of hearing loss is 30% higher than in individuals with normal blood sugar levels.
Diabetes can result in nerve damage across a variety of bodily regions, encompassing the hands, feet, eyes, kidneys, and ears. High blood sugar levels can cause the degeneration 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 result 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 notice any of these signs
If you aren’t actively monitoring the condition of your hearing, hearing loss can slowly sneak up on you. It’s not uncommon for people close to you to observe your hearing loss before you notice it.
Some indicative signs of hearing loss include:
- Difficulty hearing on the phone
- Regularly needing people to repeat what they said
- Always having to crank up the volume of your devices and TV
- Feeling as if people are mumbling when they speak
- Having a difficult time hearing in loud places
If you encounter any of these difficulties or if someone points out changes in your hearing, it’s essential to consult with us. After performing a hearing test, we will establish a baseline for future visits and help you with any problems you might be having with balance.
If you have diabetes, be proactive
Getting an annual hearing exam is important, and that’s particularly true for someone with diabetes.
Maintain your blood sugar levels within the desired range.
Utilize ear protection and avoid overly loud situations.