Diabetes and Hearing Loss
Diabetes is a chronic disease that can be treated but not cured. It’s caused when the body doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t use it properly. This prevents glucose from being used as an energy source. If a person’s blood sugar level is too high, complications can arise in the nerves, eyes, kidneys, heart and ears.
Many studies have shown that when the disease isn’t treated properly, hearing loss is twice more common in people with diabetes than in people who don’t have it. A high glucose level causes lesions in the blood vessels or in the neural systems of the inner ear, which can lead to sensorineural hearing loss.
According to one study, diabetic women between the ages of 60 and 75 are most at risk of developing a hearing impairment.
When blood sugar levels are controlled, the rate of hearing loss in diabetic people is similar to that of non-diabetics. Keeping blood sugar at an appropriate level is achieved through medications, a suitable diet and a healthy, active lifestyle.
If you have any doubts about your hearing, make an audiology appointment for a complete hearing check-up.
BY AMÉLIE DESMARAIS, Audiologist, Polyclinique de l’Oreille
