Diabetes is one of the most common health conditions in the U.S., affecting around 38.4 million people. Individuals with diabetes are aware of the many side effects that can accompany the health issue. These can include kidney damage, nerve damage, foot problems, vision loss, and many other health complications.
Although diabetes is very common, many people do not know that it can also lead to hearing loss.
Our hearing is reliant on the nerves within the inner ear. Because diabetes affects the nerves within our bodies, it is no surprise that the hearing nerve can be affected as well. When this occurs, there is difficulty transmitting sounds from outside the body to the brain.
Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage small blood vessels and nerves in the inner ear. Low blood sugar can also damage how nerve signals travel from the inner ear to the brain. Both types of nerve damage can lead to hearing loss.
Hearing loss is twice as common in people who have diabetes as it is in people who don’t. Even people with prediabetes have a 30% higher rate of hearing loss than people with normal blood sugar levels.
Hearing loss caused by diabetes is known as sensorineural hearing loss and can happen gradually. Typically, the loss of hearing happens slowly, making it difficult to notice the signs until you can no longer hear as well as you used to. Some common signs you may have hearing loss include:
If you have diabetes, it is important to take care of your hearing health by scheduling regular hearing exams. Untreated hearing loss can lead to other health problems, such as balance issues, depression, and cognitive decline. By having your hearing examined a professional can identify hearing loss at the first signs and help you find a management option to stop the progression of any negative side effects.
At Hearing & Tinnitus Management, we offer comprehensive hearing tests for the people of Stony Brook, NY, and the surrounding areas. Don’t let diabetes affect your hearing health! Contact us today for an appointment.
