Genetic predisposition, aging, and prolonged exposure to loud noise are all familiar factors that can contribute to hearing loss. But the link between hearing loss and diabetes isn’t as well known. Let us elaborate.
How does diabetes increase your risk of hearing loss?
As per the CDC, 9% or 37 million people in the United States are diagnosed with diabetes, and this prevalence increases with age. And if you’re dealing with diabetes, you’re twice as likely to experience hearing loss. 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. High blood sugar levels can cause the degeneration of small blood vessels and nerves in the inner ears. And on the other end of the spectrum, the transmission of nerve signals from the inner ear can be disrupted by low blood sugar. Worsened hearing loss can be the result of both scenarios.
Damage to the kidneys, heart, nerves, eyes, and blood vessels can be caused by persistent high blood pressure resulting from unchecked diabetes.
You may have hearing loss if you notice any of these signs
If you’re not actively monitoring the condition of your hearing, hearing loss can slowly sneak up on you. In many cases, friends and colleagues might detect the problem before you identify it.
Some suggestive signs of hearing loss include:
- Always having to crank up the volume of your devices and TV
- Having a difficult time hearing in loud places
- Trouble following phone conversations
- Regularly needing people to repeat what they said
- Feeling like people are mumbling when they speak
If you notice any of these challenges or if somebody points out changes in your hearing, it’s worthwhile to consult with us. 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.
If you have diabetes, be proactive
Getting a yearly hearing test is important, and that’s especially true for somebody who has diabetes.
Keep control of your blood sugar levels.
Avoid loud noises and shield your ears by using earplugs.