Diabetes affects approximately 11% of the U.S. population, with Type 2 accounting for 90% to 95% of cases. The condition occurs due to high blood sugar, which arises when your pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or your body can’t use the insulin effectively.
While they may not seem connected at first, research suggests that diabetes can damage your hearing.
Understanding the Connection
A 2021 NIH study found that people with diabetes were twice as likely to have hearing loss compared to those without diabetes. People with prediabetes have a 30% higher rate than the general population.
While we need more research to determine the exact cause of the connection, the leading theory centers on blood flow. High blood glucose levels in someone with diabetes may damage the small blood vessels in their inner ears, leading to damage to the auditory system. Diabetes affects the eyes in a similar way.
Protecting Your Hearing
The best way to minimize your risk of diabetes-related hearing loss is to manage the condition with the help of your primary care provider. Management options may include any combination of blood sugar monitoring, insulin injections, medication, diet changes or exercise.
In addition to managing diabetes, you should also take precautions against other causes of hearing loss, including noise, physical trauma or ototoxic medications (drugs that can damage the auditory system). A few protection options include:
- Wear earplugs to shows at Rocking Horse Bar & Grill or action-packed movies in the theater
- Turn the volume below 80 dB when listening to music
- Wear a helmet during contact sports
- Discuss alternative medications with your provider if you’re taking an ototoxic drug
In addition to managing your diabetes and taking steps to protect your hearing, you should also schedule regular hearing tests.
Why Are Regular Hearing Tests Important?
Regular hearing testing helps us catch hearing loss early, ideally before it starts negatively affecting your life. If you develop hearing loss, we may prescribe hearing aids to minimize its impact on your life.
For more information about the causes and treatments of hearing loss, contact Sound Advice Audiology today.