Genetic predisposition, aging, and prolonged exposure to loud sound are all common factors that can contribute to hearing loss. But the link 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?
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 have diabetes, you’re two times as likely to experience hearing loss. 133 million Americans are pre-diabetic and even they have a 30% increased risk of experiencing hearing loss than people whose blood sugar is normal.
Diabetes can result in nerve damage across various bodily areas, encompassing the hands, feet, eyes, kidneys, and 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 persistent high blood pressure due to unchecked diabetes.
Signs you may be dealing with hearing loss
Hearing loss frequently happens gradually and can go undetected if you’re not actively paying attention. It’s not unusual for people around you to notice your hearing loss before you become aware of it.
Here are a few signs of hearing loss:
- Regularly needing people to repeat what they said
- Feeling like people are mumbling when they talk
- Struggling in noisy establishments
- Keeping the TV volume at a high level
- Trouble following phone conversations
If you experience any of these difficulties or if somebody points out changes in your hearing, it’s important to consult with us. We will carry out a hearing exam that will establish a baseline for future assessments and also deal with any balance-related challenges.
Be proactive if your managing diabetes
We encourage all individuals with diabetes to get an annual hearing test.
Maintain control of your blood sugar levels.
Avoid loud noises and protect your ears by wearing earplugs.