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 us elaborate.
How is your risk of developing hearing loss increased 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. And if you’re dealing with diabetes, you’re twice as likely to develop hearing loss. 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 result in nerve damage across a variety of bodily areas, including 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. Both scenarios can worsen hearing loss.
The lack of diabetes control causes chronic high blood pressure, leading to damage to the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, nerves, and eyes.
Signs you may be dealing with hearing loss
If you aren’t actively monitoring the state of your hearing, hearing loss can gradually sneak up on you. It’s not unusual for people around you to observe your hearing loss before you become aware of it.
Here are a few signs of hearing loss:
- Perceiving others as mumbling
- Having a difficult time hearing in loud places
- Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
- Trouble following phone conversations
- Keeping the TV volume at a high level
It’s important to call us for a consultation if you observe any of these signs or if somebody points out your hearing changes. After doing a hearing examination, we will set up a baseline for future visits and help you with any problems you may be having with balance.
If you have diabetes, be proactive
Getting an annual hearing test is important, and that’s particularly true for somebody with diabetes.
Keep control of your blood sugar levels.
Avoid loud noises and protect your ears by using earplugs.