In the United States, an estimated 30 million Americans have diabetes. Of the 30 million affected, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that between 80% and 90% have type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes is a chronic health condition. That means it is a long-lasting condition. Diabetes affects how well your body is able to convert food into energy. Managing the condition is very important. Complications from unmanaged diabetes can be serious.
One potential complication from unmanaged diabetes is hearing loss. Today, we’re taking a closer look at the link between hearing loss and diabetes.
The Relationship Between Hearing Loss and Diabetes
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) carried out research into adults with diabetes. Their research showed that adults with diabetes were two times more likely to have hearing loss when compared to adults without diabetes.
“Hearing loss may be an under-recognized complication of diabetes. As diabetes becomes more common, the disease may become a more significant contributor to hearing loss… Our study found a strong and consistent link between hearing impairment and diabetes using a number of different outcomes,” Senior author Catherine Cowie, Ph.D., of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) said.
How Can Diabetes Cause Hearing Loss?
Researchers have yet to clearly identify what causes (or contributes to) people with diabetes to have hearing loss. There is, however, increasing research pointing to how diabetes may damage our nerves and blood vessels. This damage is caused by high blood sugar (A1c) levels. If this damage happens in our delicate auditory system, it can affect our hearing. The result can be hearing loss.
If you have diabetes and find management of your blood sugar levels a challenge, you may develop hearing loss. It is important for you to work closely with your primary care physician to manage your diabetes. Ensure that you maintain your regular health assessments.
It’s worth noting that it’s not just hearing loss that you may be at risk of. Damage to your auditory system can result in more than just hearing loss. You may also have impaired balance or dizziness. These can increase your risks of a fall.
How Can You Protect Your Hearing?
If you have diabetes, you can help reduce the chances of hearing loss by:
- Getting an annual hearing assessment
- Following your diabetes treatment plan
- Taking your medication as prescribed
- Monitoring your blood sugar levels
- Exercising regularly
- Reducing high blood pressure
- Managing your weight and eating healthy
If you are due a hearing assessment, please contact our hearing healthcare specialists. The team at Anderson Audiology would be happy to check your hearing. Call us on 702-997-2964 or click here to request an appointment online.