Hearing loss as diabetes are closely linked. While most cases of hearing loss happen due to age and other causes such as exposure to loud noises or infections, diabetes can also make you more susceptible to losing your hearing. In fact, those with diabetes are almost twice as likely to develop hearing issues as those without it. Read on to learn more about the connection between diabetes and hearing loss.
According to a study, those with diabetes (both type 1 and type 2) are twice as likely to develop hearing loss than people without it and those with prediabetes have a 30% higher rate of hearing loss. The exact reason why is unclear but a popular theory is that higher blood glucose levels can cause damage to the small blood vessels in the inner ear, similarly to how diabetes can damage the eyes and the kidneys.
Although rare, diabetes can occasionally cause sudden hearing loss. Poorly controlled blood sugar levels, long-term diabetes, and diabetic neuropathy can damage the small blood vessels and nerves in your inner ear which leads to sensorineural hearing loss. If you experience sudden hearing loss, especially in one ear, it’s vital to seek immediate medical attention for a better chance of recovery.
There are two main types of hearing loss – sensorineural hearing loss and conductive hearing loss, your audiologist will need to work out whether your hearing loss is sensorineural or conductive.
If you’re experiencing issues with your hearing, your doctor or audiologist will first examine your ears to look for anything abnormal such as blockages or inflammation. Further tests might be needed in which case you will have a full hearing assessment to check your ability to hear, the severity of your hearing loss, and discuss potential treatments.
Hearing loss isn’t always obvious at first as it usually comes on gradually over a period of time. In fact, your friends and family may notice your hearing loss before you do.
Some common symptoms include:
With good preventative measures, you can help to preserve your hearing as much as possible.
Regular check ups with your healthcare provider and better overall health management is the best way to prevent complications arising from your diabetes.
If you have any concerns about your health or your hearing, always seek professional advice.
Treatment of your hearing loss will depend on the cause as some types can be easily treated. However, when it comes to hearing loss from diabetes, this is often sensorineural which means it’s more likely to be permanent. In that case, you’ll be looking at different management options for your hearing loss such as hearing aids, cochlear implants (surgically inserted devices which transmit sound directly into your auditory nerve), or assistive listening devices.
Hearing loss is a common complication of diabetes with diabetic people having twice the chance of developing hearing loss. While it’s not confirmed, it’s thought that the damage diabetes can cause to the fine blood vessels in your ears is the cause of this hearing loss. If you or anyone you know is experiencing symptoms of hearing loss, or even if it’s just been a while since your last one, book in for your free hearing test with The Hearing Care Partnership.