Diabetes
& Hearing Health
Diabetes and Hearing Loss: The Silent Connection
Diabetes is a known cause of hearing loss. In fact, the connection is well documented through numerous studies and the effect is magnified in individuals who do not control their diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes can cause hearing loss due to the damaging effects of high blood sugar levels on various parts of the auditory system.
Research has indicated the following as key factors in the connection between diabetes and hearing loss:
- Blood Vessel Damage: Chronic high blood sugar can damage the small blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the inner ear. The inner ear or cochlea is a highly vascular organ. This damage can lead to reduced blood flow and impaired function of the sensory hair cells responsible for detecting sound.
- Nerve Damage (Neuropathy): Diabetes can cause neuropathy, damaging nerves, including the auditory nerve. The auditory nerve (part of the 8th cranial nerve) carries sound signals from the inner ear to the brain, and damage to the auditory nerve can cause impaired hearing.
- Inflammation and Oxidative Stress: Prolonged high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can lead to inflammation and oxidative stress in the auditory system, further contributing to cellular damage in the inner ear.
- Structural changes: Diabetes can cause thickening of the structures in the inner ear (cochlea). These structural changes can reduce the function of the cochlea and induce hearing loss.
- Increased Risk of Ear Infections: Diabetes increases susceptibility to infections, including ear infections, which can lead to hearing loss if left untreated.
The connection between diabetes and hearing loss shows why controlling blood sugar levels is so important. If you have diabetes, it is essential that you have your hearing monitored annually. DO NOT wait to have your hearing tested.
Interesting Facts About Diabetes and Hearing Loss
- Diabetics are twice-as-likely to suffer from hearing loss as nondiabetics.
- Approximately 70% of diabetics between the ages of 50 & 69 suffer from significant high-frequency hearing loss.
- Nearly 33% of diabetics between 50 & 69 suffer from low-frequency hearing loss.
- Among individuals with prediabetes, the likelihood of hearing loss is approximately 30% higher than in those with normal blood sugar levels.
- Nearly 1 in 3 of all adults with diabetes suffer from reported or diagnosed hearing loss.
How Individuals with Diabetes Can Protect Their Hearing Health
If you are a diabetic, the best way to safeguard your hearing is to maintain good control of your blood sugar levels. Taking all prescribed medications, maintaining a healthy diet, and daily exercise can help. If you think that your diabetes has already affected your hearing, schedule an appointment with our Mesa or Scottsdale audiologists as soon as possible. The earlier hearing loss is diagnosed and treated, the better the chance for a favorable outcome.
Important Resources for Diabetics and Their Families
American Diabetes Association (ADA): diabetes.org
JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation): jdrf.org
Diabetes Sisters: diabetessisters.org
Beyond Type 1: beyondtype1.org
Tudiabetes (by Diabetes Hands Foundation): tudiabetes.org
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Mesa Office - Advanced Hearing Group
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North Scottsdale Office - Advanced Hearing Group
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