Genetic predisposition, aging, and extended exposure to loud sound are all familiar factors that can contribute to hearing loss. However, you might find it intriguing to understand the link between diabetes and hearing impairment. Allow us to elaborate.
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 increases with age. Hearing loss is two times as prevalent in individuals with diabetes in comparison to those who don’t have the condition. 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 cause nerve damage across a variety of bodily regions, encompassing the hands, feet, eyes, kidneys, and ears. The degeneration of the small blood vessels inside of your ears can be accelerated by high blood sugar levels. In contrast, low blood sugar levels can disrupt the transmission of nerve signals from the inner ear to the brain. Both situations can worsen hearing loss.
The lack of diabetes control causes persistent high blood pressure, causing damage to the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, nerves, and eyes.
Signs you might be dealing with hearing loss
Hearing loss often occurs gradually and can go unnoticed if you’re not actively paying attention. It’s not unusual for people around you to notice your hearing loss before you notice it.
Some suggestive signs of hearing loss include:
- Regularly needing people to repeat what they said
- Struggling in loud restaurants
- Feeling like people are mumbling when they speak
- Keeping the TV volume really loud
- Trouble hearing on the phone
It’s essential to contact us for a consultation if you observe any of these signs or if someone points out your hearing changes. We will conduct a hearing examination that will establish a baseline for future assessments and also address any balance-related challenges.
If you have diabetes, be proactive
Getting an annual hearing exam is important, and that’s especially true for someone who has diabetes.
Keep your blood sugar levels within the desired range.
Make use of ear protection and steer clear of overly loud settings.