You may be acquainted with the numerous factors contributing to hearing loss, including the impact of getting older, genetic predisposition within families, or extended exposure to loud noises. But the connection between hearing loss and diabetes is not as widely known. Let’s dig a little deeper into that.
How does diabetes raise your risk of hearing loss?
As per the CDC, 9% or 37 million individuals in the United States are diagnosed with diabetes, and this prevalence increases with age. And if you have diabetes, you’re twice as likely to develop hearing loss. 133 million Americans are pre-diabetic and even they have a 30% higher risk of developing hearing loss than people whose blood sugar is normal.
Diabetes can result in nerve damage across various bodily areas, including the hands, feet, eyes, kidneys, and ears. Elevated blood sugar levels can lead to 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 outcome of both scenarios.
The lack of diabetes management triggers persistent high blood pressure, causing damage to the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, nerves, and eyes.
Signs you may be dealing with hearing loss
If you’re not actively monitoring the state of your hearing, hearing loss can gradually sneak up on you. It’s not uncommon for people close to you to notice your hearing loss before you notice it.
Some suggestive signs of hearing loss include:
- Struggling in loud restaurants
- Feeling like people are mumbling when they talk
- Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
- Trouble following phone conversations
- Keeping the TV volume at a high level
It’s essential to contact us for a consultation if you observe any of these signs or if someone points out your hearing changes. After carrying out 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 you have diabetes
We encourage all individuals who has diabetes to get an annual hearing test.
Keep your blood sugar levels within the desired range.
Make use of ear protection and steer clear of overly loud settings.