You might be familiar with the various aspects contributing to hearing loss, like the impact of aging, genetic predisposition within families, or prolonged exposure to loud sounds. However, you might find it intriguing to discover the connection between diabetes and hearing impairment. Let’s dig a little deeper into that.
How does diabetes raise your risk of hearing loss?
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. And if you’re dealing with diabetes, you’re twice as likely to develop hearing loss. 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 result in nerve damage across various bodily regions, including the hands, feet, eyes, kidneys, and ears. High blood sugar levels can lead to 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 disrupted 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 due to uncontrolled diabetes.
You may have hearing loss if you notice any of these signs
Hearing loss often happens gradually and can go unnoticed if you aren’t actively paying attention. In many situations, friends and co-workers might notice the problem before you become aware of it.
Some indicative signs of hearing loss include:
- Keeping the TV volume at a high level
- Having a tough time hearing in noisy places
- Perceiving others as mumbling
- Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
- Difficulty following phone conversations
If you notice any of these challenges or if someone points out changes in your hearing, it’s important to consult with us. After doing a hearing test, we will set up a baseline for future visits and help you with any issues you may be having with balance.
Be proactive if you have diabetes
Getting a yearly hearing exam is important, and that’s especially true for somebody who has diabetes.
Keep control of your blood sugar levels.
Avoid loud noises and shield your ears by using earplugs.
