You might be acquainted with the numerous aspects contributing to hearing loss, such as the impact of getting older, genetic predisposition within families, or prolonged exposure to loud sounds. But the connection between hearing loss and diabetes is not as widely known. Let’s dig a little deeper into that.
How is your risk of developing hearing loss raised by diabetes?
The prevalence of diabetes increases as you get older, and 37 million people, or 9% of the United States population, cope with this condition according to the CDC. Hearing loss is twice as prevalent in people with diabetes compared to individuals who don’t have the condition. Even in pre-diabetics, constituting 133 million Americans, the rate of hearing loss is 30% higher than in individuals with normal blood sugar levels.
Diabetes can cause nerve damage across a variety of bodily areas, encompassing the hands, feet, eyes, kidneys, and ears. The degeneration of the small blood vessels inside of your ears can be increased by elevated blood sugar levels. Conversely, low blood sugar levels can disrupt the transmission of nerve signals from the inner ear to the brain. Both situations can contribute to hearing loss.
Damage to the kidneys, heart, nerves, eyes, and blood vessels can be caused by chronic high blood pressure due to uncontrolled diabetes.
You may have hearing loss if you detect any of these signs
Hearing loss often occurs slowly and can go unnoticed if you’re not actively paying attention. In many instances, friends and co-workers may detect the problem before you become aware of it.
Here are a few signs of hearing loss:
- Trouble hearing on the phone
- Keeping the TV volume at a high level
- Regularly needing people to repeat what they said
- Struggling in loud restaurants
- Perceiving others as mumbling
If you encounter any of these difficulties or if someone points out changes in your hearing, it’s important to consult with us. We will carry out a hearing examination that will establish a baseline for future assessments and also deal with any balance-related concerns.
If you have diabetes, be proactive
We encourage anybody who has diabetes to get an annual hearing check.
Keep your blood sugar levels within the desired range.
Use ear protection and steer clear of overly loud situations.