Approximately 37 million Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes. Researchers have found that those with diabetes are twice as likely to be diagnosed with hearing loss compared to those without the condition.

Understanding Diabetes and Hearing Loss

When you have type I diabetes or type II diabetes, the blood vessels and the nerves in the inner ear are in danger of being damaged.

Type II diabetes often leads to age-related hearing loss or "presbycusis hearing loss." One type of presbycusis hearing loss is "sensorineural hearing loss," which occurs when the nerves or the hair cells in the inner ear become damaged. 

Research and Statistics

Researchers analyzed 13 studies on hearing loss and diabetes, and they determined that people with diabetes experience hearing loss in larger numbers than other populations. They suggest that extended periods of high blood sugar levels lead to damage in the blood vessels of the inner ear.

Researchers also discovered that hypertension causes blood to flow through the ear's vessels faster than it ordinarily would, damaging the lining of blood vessels. When this occurs, fatty plaque accumulates in the area, and the combination of damage to the lining and plaque buildup leads to hearing loss. Many people diagnosed with diabetes also have hypertension.   

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The symptoms of hearing loss include the following: 

• You set the volume on the TV higher than other people like it. 
• You have difficulties hearing people who speak softly.
• You have difficulties hearing when you are in a noisy environment.
• You believe that people are mumbling rather than speaking. 
• You find it difficult to follow a conversation between more than two people. 
• You ask people to repeat themselves a lot. 

Audiologists diagnose hearing loss by performing several tests. Most importantly, an audiologist has the instrumentation to perform an audiometer test, which is the most thorough type of hearing test. This machine administers sounds through earphones and measures the quietest sound you can hear. 

Preventive Measures

Along with focusing on lowering your blood sugar, you must protect your ears against loud noises to prevent hearing loss. Select the lower setting when watching television or listening to the radio. Limit your exposure to loud sounds if you can't control the volume. Lastly, if you are going somewhere very loud, take earplugs or earmuffs with you. 

Treatment Options

If your diabetes-related hearing loss is the result of damage to the inner ear, an audiologist will help you select the right hearing aid. The audiologist will explain the different types of hearing aids and help you choose one. Then, she will fit you with the hearing aid of your choice. 

Following your physician's advice on managing your diabetes is the best thing you can do for your overall health. Therefore, you must maintain your blood sugar levels within the desired range. This will be important in reducing the risk of hearing loss.  

Contact Us Today!

Elevated levels of blood sugar are believed to be the reason that those diagnosed with diabetes experience more hearing loss than other populations because high blood sugar levels damage the structures of the ear. 

If you have diabetes, schedule a hearing examination with us at Beltone Dallas Fort Worth.

Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hearing-loss/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20373077
https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/hearing-aids/sensorineural-hearing-loss/
https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/hearing-aids/diabetes-and-hearing-loss/