Hearing the world around you is a vital part of staying connected. But did you know diabetes could put your hearing at risk? Get to know the early signs and learn how you can take action to protect your hearing health.
Recent studies have shown a concerning link between diabetes and hearing loss. Individuals with diabetes are twice as likely to experience hearing problems compared to those without the condition. While the exact reasons are still being studied, experts believe it's linked to how diabetes affects the body's nerves and blood flow.
Diabetes-related hearing impairment doesn't discriminate based on age or demographic. It affects anyone dealing with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, casting a wide net that can trap individuals regardless of their background. As a result, those managing diabetes for an extended period may find themselves especially vulnerable to this issue.
Diabetes brings on a number of complications to one’s overall health, causing high blood sugar, low blood sugar and high blood pressure, to name a few. The latter all contribute to hearing loss in different ways with a similar outcome.
Both low and elevated blood sugar levels wreak havoc on the delicate inner ear's blood vessels and nerves. Elevated blood sugar levels may restrict the supply to these small vessels and nerves, causing irreversible damage. This can occur in patients living with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
High blood pressure, known as hypertension, is quite common among people with diabetes. Research shows that around 73.6% of them deal with hypertension, which adds to the risk of hearing loss. When blood pressure is elevated, it can damage blood vessels, potentially leading to hearing loss if it affects the vessels in the ear.
But here's the good news: if you can get your blood pressure back to normal, you might be able to reverse that hearing loss.
If you're diabetic and experiencing hearing difficulties, it's a good idea to take an online hearing test or visit a nearby hearing clinic to understand what's going on.
Hearing loss can sneak up on you gradually, making it tricky to detect. Here are some signs of hearing loss to watch out for:
When coupled with diabetes, these indicators may intertwine with other diabetic complications, such as vision impairments or neuropathy. It’s important to keep an eye on your hearing health and understand your hearing range.
Patients living with diabetes should focus on following their providers’ recommendations to optimize overall health with a notable focus on keeping one’s blood sugar within target range to help decrease the risk of hearing loss.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases provides these recommendations to assist individuals in managing their blood sugar levels:
In addition, it’s important to include hearing checkups as part of one’s diabetes care schedule. When first diagnosed with diabetes, a hearing should be tested by an audiologist to establish a baseline for future monitoring.
While fully reversing diabetes-related hearing loss may be challenging, there are various treatments available to enhance hearing and quality of life. Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids offer accessibility without the need for medical exams, prescriptions, or audiologist fittings. Remember, taking proactive steps towards better hearing can lead to a more fulfilling and connected life, while also managing the complexities of diabetes.