Can Diabetes Increase Hearing Loss Risk?

Posted on by Advanced ENT & Allergy

Diabetes is a serious condition that affects the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar. Untreated diabetes can lead to many health complications, including heart problems, kidney failure, nerve damage, vision problems and stroke, among others.

Research has also shown that diabetes puts you at a higher risk for hearing loss.

Thankfully, there are many treatments and lifestyle changes that can help you to manage your diabetes and reduce your risk of hearing loss.

How are Diabetes and Hearing Loss Connected?

Uncontrolled high blood sugar caused by diabetes can damage blood vessels in the body, including in the inner ear. This damage affects circulation to the hair cells in the ear, which play a vital role in the hearing process. Lack of circulation can permanently damage the cells and contribute to hearing loss.

Symptoms of Diabetes

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) more than 34 million people in the United States have diabetes and an estimated 20% of those people do not know they have the disease. There are many residents in New Jersey who currently have diabetes or are at risk of developing it.

If you notice any of the following symptoms make an appointment with a medical professional as soon as possible:

  • Intense hunger and thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Losing weight without trying
  • Blurred vision
  • Numbness or tingling in extremities
  • Fatigue
  • Wounds that are slow to heal

Manage Diabetes to Protect Your Hearing

Just because diabetes increases your risk of hearing loss does not mean there is nothing you can do to protect your hearing. In fact, many of the same actions you take to manage your diabetes can also help you lower your risk of hearing loss. Some tips include:

  • Follow a healthy diet
  • Manage your blood sugar and A1C levels
  • Get moving! Joining a yoga class or taking regular walks through one of [city]’s beautiful parks can help you manage your diabetes symptoms.
  • Get a hearing test. If you are concerned you may already have experienced hearing damage schedule a hearing test with an audiologist. They can give you a quick and accurate diagnosis and suggest treatment options if hearing loss is present.

 Contact Advanced ENT & Allergy today if you have additional questions or to schedule an appointment.

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