Hearing loss is about twice as common in adults with diabetes compared to those who do not have the disease, according to a study funded by the National Institutes of Health. The study found “a strong and consistent link between hearing impairment and diabetes, “ said senior study author Catherine Cowie, Ph.D. “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. Even adults with pre diabetes (where glucose is higher than normal but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis) have a higher rate of hearing loss than those with normal blood sugar levels.
Diabetes is a group of diseases marked by high levels of blood glucose resulting from defects in insulin production, insulin action or both. Diabetes may lead to hearing loss by damaging the nerves and blood vessels of the inner ear, the researchers suggest. This is similar to the way diabetes can damage the eyes and kidneys.
Audiologists urge people with diabetes to have their hearing checked on the same, regular basis that they have their eyes checked. Find more information on the signs of hearing loss at the American Diabetes website.
