Living with diabetes requires careful management of various health aspects, and it’s important not to overlook the potential impact on hearing. Studies have shown a connection between diabetes and hearing loss, and the CDC recommends those with diabetes get their hearing checked every year. It’s important to understand the connections between diabetes and hearing loss to best care for your auditory health.
How Diabetes Impacts Hearing
Diabetes affects the body in various ways, and the delicate vessels and hairs in the inner ear are sensitive to healthy blood flow. Diabetes can disrupt the blood flow to the vessels in the inner ear, impacting hearing via high blood sugar levels and inflammation.
A 2012 study revealed a higher prevalence of hearing impairment in those with diabetes as compared to those without, displaying the impact of diabetes on hearing.
Additional impacts of diabetes on auditory and vestibular health include:
- Dizziness and risk of falls: Diabetes can damage blood vessels in the vestibular system, which is responsible for balance, and can lead to dizziness and an increased risk of falls.
- Ear infections/itchiness: Diabetes can alter earwax acidity, making you more prone to outer ear infections, resulting in itchiness.
- Tinnitus: Individuals with diabetes are more likely to experience tinnitus, which may be linked to both hearing loss and diabetes itself.
Protecting Your Health
Effective diabetes management is essential for mitigating its impact on overall well-being and hearing loss. The CDC recommends focusing on the ABCs of diabetes care for managing diabetes:
- Average Blood Sugar Control (A1C): Maintain average blood sugar levels over three months within a healthy range.
- Blood Pressure Monitoring: Keep blood pressure levels within a healthy range.
- Cholesterol Maintenance: Ensure healthy cholesterol levels.
Avoiding smoking is also crucial for overall well-being, diabetes management and preventing hearing loss. If you’re unsure about proper diabetes management, seek guidance from your doctor.
For answers to questions about how diabetes can impact your hearing or to schedule a hearing test, contact Certified Hearing Aid Consultants to schedule an appointment.