Genetic predisposition, aging, and prolonged exposure to loud noise are all common factors that can contribute to hearing loss. 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?
The prevalence of diabetes increases as you get older, and 37 million people, or 9% of the United States population, have this condition according to the CDC. Hearing loss is twice as prevalent in individuals with diabetes in comparison to individuals 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.
A variety of body regions can be affected by diabetes: kidneys, hands, feet, eyes, and even ears. High blood sugar levels can cause the degeneration of small blood vessels and nerves in the inner ears. Conversely, low blood sugar levels can disrupt the transmission of nerve signals from the inner ear to the brain. Both scenarios can worsen hearing loss.
Damage to the kidneys, heart, nerves, eyes, and blood vessels can be caused by chronic high blood pressure resulting from unchecked diabetes.
You might have hearing loss if you notice any of these signs
If you’re not actively monitoring the state of your hearing, hearing loss can gradually sneak up on you. In many instances, friends and co-workers might detect the problem before you become aware of it.
Some indicative signs of hearing loss include:
- Trouble following phone conversations
- Having a hard time hearing in loud places
- Always having to crank the volume up on your devices and TV
- Feeling like people are mumbling when they talk
- Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
If you encounter any of these challenges or if somebody points out changes in your hearing, it’s essential to consult with us. After performing a hearing screening, we will establish a baseline for future visits and help you with any problems you may be having with balance.
Be proactive if your navigating diabetes
We encourage anyone with diabetes to get a yearly hearing check.
Keep your blood sugar levels within the desired range.
Avoid loud noises and protect your ears by using earplugs.