Genetic predisposition, aging, and prolonged exposure to loud sound are all common factors that can contribute to hearing loss. However, you might find it interesting to discover the link between diabetes and hearing loss. Let’s dig a little deeper into that.
How does diabetes raise your risk of hearing loss?
The prevalence of diabetes increases as you get older, and 37 million individuals, or 9% of the United States population, cope with this condition according to the CDC. And if you’re dealing with diabetes, you’re two times as likely to develop hearing loss. Even in pre-diabetics, constituting 133 million Americans, the rate of hearing loss is 30% higher than in people with normal blood sugar levels.
A variety of body regions can be affected by diabetes: kidneys, hands, feet, eyes, and even ears. The deterioration of the small blood vessels inside of your ears can be accelerated by elevated blood sugar levels. And on the other end of the spectrum, the transmission of nerve signals from the inner ear can be disrupted by low blood sugar. Worsened hearing loss can be the result of both scenarios.
Damage to the kidneys, heart, nerves, eyes, and blood vessels can be caused by chronic high blood pressure resulting from unchecked diabetes.
Signs you may have hearing loss
Hearing loss often develops gradually and can go unnoticed if you’re not actively paying attention. It’s not uncommon for people close to you to observe your hearing loss before you notice it.
Here are a few signs of hearing loss:
- Struggling in loud restaurants
- Keeping the TV volume at a high level
- Trouble hearing on the phone
- Constantly needing people to repeat what they said
- Perceiving others as mumbling
It’s essential to contact us for a consultation if you experience any of these signs or if somebody points out your hearing changes. After doing a hearing exam, we will set up a baseline for future visits and help you with any issues you might be having with balance.
If you have diabetes, be proactive
Getting an annual hearing test is important, and that’s especially true for someone who has diabetes.
Maintain control of your blood sugar levels.
Make use of ear protection and avoid overly loud situations.
