You may be acquainted with the numerous factors contributing to hearing loss, including the impact of getting older, genetic predisposition within families, or extended exposure to loud sounds. But the connection between hearing loss and diabetes isn’t as well known. Let’s dig a little deeper into that.
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. And if you’re dealing with diabetes, you’re two times as likely to develop hearing loss. 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 various bodily areas, encompassing the hands, feet, eyes, kidneys, and ears. The deterioration of the small blood vessels inside of your ears can be accelerated by elevated blood sugar levels. And on the other end of the spectrum, the transmission of nerve signals from the inner ear can be interrupted by low blood sugar. Both situations can worsen hearing loss.
Damage to the kidneys, heart, nerves, eyes, and blood vessels can be caused by persistent high blood pressure due to unchecked diabetes.
Signs you may be dealing with hearing loss
Hearing loss often occurs gradually and can go undetected if you’re not actively paying attention. In many cases, friends and co-workers may observe the problem before you identify it.
Some indicative signs of hearing loss include:
- Struggling in noisy establishments
- Constantly needing people to repeat what they said
- Trouble following phone conversations
- Keeping the TV volume at a high level
- Perceiving others as mumbling
If you notice any of these challenges or if somebody points out changes in your hearing, it’s worthwhile to consult with us. We will perform a hearing test 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 particularly true for somebody who has diabetes.
Keep your blood sugar levels within the desired range.
Avoid loud noises and shield your ears by using earplugs.