Diabetes and hearing loss are two of America’s most widespread health concerns. Nearly 26 million people in the U.S. have diabetes, and an estimated 34.5 million have some type of hearing loss. Those are large groups of people, and it appears there is a lot of overlap between the two.
A recent study found that hearing loss is twice as common in people with diabetes as it is in those who don’t have the disease. Also, of the 79 million adults in the U.S. who have prediabetes, the rate of hearing loss is 30 percent higher than in those with normal blood glucose.
Right now we don’t know how diabetes is related to hearing loss. It’s possible that the high blood glucose levels associated with diabetes cause damage to the small blood vessels in the inner ear, similar to the way in which diabetes can damage the eyes and the kidneys. But more research needs to be done to discover why people with diabetes have a higher rate of hearing loss.
Since it can happen slowly, the symptoms of hearing loss can often be hard to notice. In fact, family members and friends sometimes notice the hearing loss before the person experiencing it.
Signs of Hearing Loss
•Frequently asking others to repeat themselves.
•Trouble following conversations that involve more than two people.
•Thinking that others are mumbling.
•Problems hearing in noisy places such as busy restaurants.
•Trouble hearing the voices of women and small children.
•Turning up the TV or radio volume too loud for others who are nearby.
What should you do if you suspect a hearing loss?
Talk to your Audiologist or doctor who specializes in hearing and balance problems. Generally from a full hearing exam by a Doctor of Audiology, you’ll learn more about your hearing loss such as: type, cause and severity of the loss as well as how it may be impacting your daily life. You will also be given the latest treatment options and what can be done to treat it.
Dr. Lance F. Greer, Au.D., FAAA, is a co-owner of Advanced Hearing & Balance Specialists and regularly sees patients in Overton. Dr. Greer can be reached at 397-8555.
