Genetic predisposition, aging, and prolonged exposure to loud noise are all familiar factors that can contribute to hearing loss. However, you may find it intriguing to understand the connection between diabetes and hearing loss. Let’s dig a little bit deeper into that.
How is your risk of developing hearing loss increased 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 have diabetes, you’re twice as likely to experience hearing loss. Even in pre-diabetics, constituting 133 million Americans, the degree of hearing loss is 30% higher than in people with normal blood sugar levels.
A variety of body areas can be affected by diabetes: kidneys, hands, feet, eyes, and even ears. The degeneration of the small blood vessels inside of your ears can be accelerated by elevated blood sugar levels. Conversely, low blood sugar levels can disrupt the transmission of nerve signals from the inner ear to the brain. Both scenarios can worsen hearing loss.
The lack of diabetes management causes persistent high blood pressure, leading to damage to the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, nerves, and eyes.
Signs you might be dealing with hearing loss
If you’re not actively monitoring the condition of your hearing, hearing loss can gradually sneak up on you. It’s not unusual for people close to you to observe your hearing loss before you become aware of it.
Some indicative signs of hearing loss include:
- Perceiving others as mumbling
- Struggling in loud restaurants
- Keeping the TV volume really loud
- Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
- Trouble following phone conversations
It’s important to call us for a consultation if you experience any of these signs or if someone points out your hearing changes. We will conduct a hearing exam that will establish a baseline for future assessments and also address any balance-related challenges.
Be proactive if you have diabetes
Getting an annual hearing test is important, and that’s especially true for someone who has diabetes.
Keep your blood sugar levels within the desired range.
Use ear protection and avoid overly loud situations.