Genetic predisposition, aging, and extended exposure to loud sound are all familiar factors that can contribute to hearing loss. However, you may find it interesting to discover the connection between diabetes and hearing loss. Let’s dig a little bit deeper into that.
How is your risk of developing hearing loss raised by diabetes?
As per the CDC, 9% or 37 million individuals in the United States are diagnosed with diabetes, and this prevalence rises with age. Hearing loss is twice as prevalent in people with diabetes in comparison to individuals without the condition. Even in pre-diabetics, constituting 133 million Americans, the rate of hearing loss is 30% higher than in people with normal blood sugar levels.
Various body regions can be affected by diabetes: kidneys, hands, feet, eyes, and even ears. The degeneration of the small blood vessels inside of your ears can be accelerated by high blood sugar levels. Conversely, low blood sugar levels can disrupt the transmission of nerve signals from the inner ear to the brain. Worsened hearing loss can be the result of both situations.
Damage to the kidneys, heart, nerves, eyes, and blood vessels can be caused by chronic high blood pressure resulting from uncontrolled diabetes.
Signs you may have hearing loss
If you aren’t actively monitoring the condition of your hearing, hearing loss can gradually sneak up on you. It’s not uncommon for people close to you to observe your hearing loss before you notice it.
Here are a few signs of hearing loss:
- Difficulty following phone conversations
- Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
- Perceiving others as mumbling
- Having a hard time hearing in loud places
- Keeping the TV volume really loud
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 test, we will establish a baseline for future visits and help you with any problems you may be having with balance.
If you have diabetes, be proactive
Getting a yearly hearing exam is important, and that’s especially true for somebody with diabetes.
Maintain control of your blood sugar levels.
Use ear protection and steer clear of overly loud settings.