Hearing loss is a common condition that develops gradually with age or develops because of frequent exposure to loud noise.
It is shown that hearing loss is more common in people with diabetes in comparison to those people that do not have diabetes. Hearing loss is also known as deafness and hearing impairment. (1)
This refers to a total or partial inability to hear. The causes are categorized by their severity (4 levels- mild, moderate, serious, and profound), the age of onset, and their type.
What Causes Hearing Loss in People with Diabetes?
It is still not clear what contributes to hearing loss in individuals with diabetes. It is said that high blood glucose might damage the blood vessels in the body, this includes the blood vessels in the ears. Healthline
In case you have diabetes for a long time which is not well-controlled, that can be risky and cause damage to the network of tiny blood vessels in the ears.
According to research women that have diabetes might have a greater hearing loss in comparison to those women without diabetes. In addition, this applies to women that have good control over their diabetes. (3)
Is Diabetes a Risk Factor for Hearing Loss?
Diabetes has been connected to the development of hearing issues in different research studies. Since the 1960s the health experts and medical researchers have debated about the possible connection between hearing loss and diabetes.
But the early attempts to establish such a link were not that convincing. However, nowadays there is growing evidence that suggests that diabetes contributes to hearing impairment.
How Is Hearing Loss Diagnosed?
Hearing loss can occur gradually. Therefore it can be difficult to notice it. Adults and children can experience hearing impairment at any time.
To diagnose hearing loss, doctors first begin with an examination of the ears to check for any obvious infection, fluid, or blockage.
Also, there is a turning fork test that can aid your doctor to detect hearing loss. Also, it can aid determine whether the issue is with the nerves in the inner ear or the problem is in the middle ear.
Another test is the audiometer test. You will need to have a set of earphones. Sounds in different levels and ranges are usually sent to one ear at a time. Your doctor will ask you to say when you hear a sound.
How Can This Be Treated?
The most common treatment for hearing loss is hearing aids. On the market, there are many to choose from. Your doctor can tell you which option will best fit your everyday lifestyle needs. (4)
Other treatments depend on the cause of hearing loss. They are cochlear implants that depend on the status of your nerves in the ear, removal of blockages such as earwax, and medication like infections-treatment.com.
Surgery might be needed if the hearing loss is due to:
- Tumors;
- A congenital disability;
- Chronic ear infections;
- Head trauma;
- Chronic middle ear fluid.
How to Prevent Hearing Loss
You need to check your hearing each year if you have diabetes. In order to avoid hearing loss and complications you need to:
- Exercise on a daily basis;
- Follow the medication plan;
- Reduce hypertension;
- Manage your weight;
- Monitor your blood glucose levels.
You should always come first. Make regular checks for hearing loss each year. Prevent things to happen in the first place.
