The Connection Between Type 2 Diabetes And Hearing Loss

Diabetes, when unmanaged or poorly managed, can cause a variety of serious health issues such as cardiovascular diseases, nerve damage, kidney damage, skin conditions, eye damage and more. Poor management of diabetes can spike sugar levels in the blood which can increase the risks of developing hearing loss. This article talks about how chronic conditions have such a serious impact on the hearing abilities of a human being and how it can be prevented.   

The Statistics

Scientific researches show that the chances of developing hearing loss are twice as high in diabetics than those who are healthy. A study conducted in 2008 on 5140 adults aged between 20 to 69 years, where the researchers analyzed the hearing abilities of the subjects, suggests that diabetes may potentially contribute to hearing loss by damaging the nerves and blood vessels. Most of the participants of this subject were affected by type 2 diabetes, however, the authors made no distinction. 

Another study done in 2013 found similar results. In this study, the researchers analysed studies on diabetes and hearing loss carried out between 1974 and 2011. In almost all the studies it was found that diabetics were twice as likely to develop hearing loss than those without the condition. 

What’s The Connection?

Although it is seen that the risks of hearing loss in diabetes patients are high, the causes or contributing factors for the same are still unknown, because of which it is tough to determine if diabetes type 2 has severe impacts on the hearing abilities. What is considered to be a reason is unmanaged high blood sugar damaging blood vessels in the body, including those associated with the ears. Another possibility that experts think could be the reason is diabetes’ potential to damage nerves. This could damage the auditory nerves which in turn could lead to hearing loss. 

There is a need for more research and studies to understand the actual connection between diabetes and hearing loss. 

In addition to having diabetes, there are certain other risk factors that can contribute to the condition. These include the following: 

• Being over the age of 65
• Regular exposure to loud noises 
• Missing blood glucose targets frequently
• Underlying heart disease 
• Smoking
• Genetic predisposition to hearing loss 
• Other ear problems or diseases

Preventive Measures

Preventive measures for hearing loss associated with diabetes include a combination of direct precautions and diabetes management. Some of the most effective ways of preventing hearing loss in diabetes patients include: 

• Yearly hearing checkups
• Taking regular medications as advised by the doctor
• Monitoring blood sugar levels closely
• Managing hypertension
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Regular exercising

Can Hearing Loss Due To Diabetes Be Treated? 

Most hearing loss caused due to diabetes or any other reason can be treated. The use of hearing aids is the most popular and one of the most effective treatment measures for hearing loss. It is recommended to consult the doctor before choosing an option as they will be able to recommend the best option based on the lifestyle needs of the patient. 

Some other treatment options include:

• Medications for infections
• Removal of earwax and other blockages
• Cochlear implants
• Surgery

It is important to note that the efficacy of these treatment options may vary based on the cause. 

The Last Word

Research suggests that people with diabetes are twice as likely to suffer from diabetes than those who do not have the condition. Although the reasons for hearing loss are not completely known, it is attributed to the potential of the condition to damage nerves and blood vessels in the ears. To prevent hearing loss, it is crucial to managing blood sugar levels. The condition can be treated using hearing aids and other measures, based on the cause of the loss. 

References Link: 

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20371444#:~:text=Diabetes%20dramatically%20increases%20the%20risk,Nerve%20damage%20(neuropathy).
2. https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/0003-4819-149-1-200807010-00231?articleid=741394&
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23150692/
4. https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-and-hearing-loss