Genetic predisposition, aging, and extended exposure to loud sound are all common factors that can contribute to hearing loss. However, you may find it intriguing to discover the connection between diabetes and hearing loss. Allow us to elaborate.
How is your risk of developing hearing loss increased by diabetes?
As per the CDC, 9% or 37 million people in the United States are diagnosed with diabetes, and this prevalence rises with age. Hearing loss is two times as prevalent in individuals with diabetes in comparison to individuals without the condition. 133 million Americans are pre-diabetic and even they have a 30% increased risk of developing hearing loss than individuals whose blood sugar is normal.
Various body areas can be impacted by diabetes: kidneys, hands, feet, eyes, and even ears. The degeneration of the small blood vessels inside of your ears can be increased 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 scenarios can contribute to hearing loss.
Damage to the kidneys, heart, nerves, eyes, and blood vessels can be caused by persistent high blood pressure resulting from uncontrolled diabetes.
You may have hearing loss if you notice any of these signs
If you’re not actively monitoring the state of your hearing, hearing loss can slowly sneak up on you. It’s not unusual for people close to you to notice your hearing loss before you become aware of it.
Here are a few signs of hearing loss:
- Constantly needing people to repeat what they said
- Always having to crank the volume up on your devices and TV
- Feeling like people are mumbling when they speak
- Having a tough time hearing in loud places
- Difficulty following phone conversations
If you encounter any of these difficulties or if someone points out changes in your hearing, it’s important to consult with us. We will carry out a hearing examination that will establish a baseline for future assessments and also deal with any balance-related concerns.
If you have diabetes, be proactive
We encourage anybody with diabetes to get a yearly hearing check.
Keep your blood sugar levels within the desired range.
Utilize ear protection and avoid overly loud situations.