Genetic predisposition, aging, and prolonged exposure to loud sound are all familiar factors that can contribute to hearing loss. However, you may find it interesting to discover the link between diabetes and hearing loss. Let’s dig a little deeper into that.
How does diabetes increase your risk of hearing loss?
The prevalence of diabetes increases as you get older and 37 million people, or 9% of the United States population have this condition according to the CDC. And if you have diabetes, you’re two times as likely to develop hearing loss. 133 million Americans are pre-diabetic and even they have a 30% higher risk of experiencing hearing loss than individuals whose blood sugar is normal.
Diabetes can cause nerve damage across various bodily regions, encompassing the hands, feet, eyes, kidneys, and ears. The degeneration of the small blood vessels inside of your ears can be increased by elevated blood sugar levels. In contrast, low blood sugar levels can interrupt the transmission of nerve signals from the inner ear to the brain. Worsened hearing loss can be the outcome of both scenarios.
Damage to the kidneys, heart, nerves, eyes, and blood vessels can be caused by persistent high blood pressure resulting from unchecked diabetes.
Signs you might be dealing with hearing loss
If you’re not actively monitoring the state of your hearing, hearing loss can slowly sneak up on you. It’s not uncommon for people around you to notice your hearing loss before you notice it.
Some suggestive signs of hearing loss include:
- Trouble hearing on the phone
- Having a difficult time hearing in loud places
- Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
- Feeling as if people are mumbling when they talk
- Always having to turn the volume up on your devices and TV
It’s important to contact us for a consultation if you experience any of these signs or if somebody points out your hearing changes. After performing a hearing screening, we will set up a baseline for future visits and help you with any problems you might be having with balance.
Be proactive if you have diabetes
Getting a yearly hearing test is important, and that’s particularly true for somebody with diabetes.
Maintain your blood sugar levels within the desired range.
Avoid loud noises and safeguard your ears by wearing earplugs.