You might be acquainted with the various factors contributing to hearing loss, like the impact of aging, genetic predisposition within families, or extended exposure to loud noises. However, you might find it intriguing to discover the link between diabetes and hearing loss. Let us elaborate.
How is your risk of developing hearing loss raised by diabetes?
As per the CDC, 9% or 37 million people in the United States are diagnosed with diabetes, and this prevalence increases with age. And if you have diabetes, you’re two times as likely to experience hearing loss. Even in pre-diabetics, constituting 133 million Americans, the rate of hearing loss is 30% higher than in people with normal blood sugar levels.
Diabetes can result in nerve damage across a variety of bodily areas, encompassing the hands, feet, eyes, kidneys, and ears. High blood sugar levels can cause the deterioration of small blood vessels and nerves in the inner ears. In contrast, 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 situations.
Damage to the kidneys, heart, nerves, eyes, and blood vessels can be caused by chronic high blood pressure resulting from uncontrolled diabetes.
Signs you might have hearing loss
If you aren’t actively monitoring the condition of your hearing, hearing loss can slowly sneak up on you. It’s not unusual for people around you to notice your hearing loss before you become aware of it.
Here are a few signs of hearing loss:
- Perceiving others as mumbling
- Regularly needing people to repeat what they said
- Always needing to crank the volume up on your devices and TV
- Difficulty following phone conversations
- Having a tough time hearing in loud places
It’s essential to call us for a consultation if you notice any of these signs or if somebody points out your hearing changes. After doing a hearing test, we will set up a baseline for future visits and help you with any issues you might be having with balance.
Be proactive if your managing diabetes
Getting an annual hearing exam is important, and that’s particularly true for somebody with diabetes.
Maintain control of your blood sugar levels.
Steer clear of loud noises and shield your ears by wearing earplugs.