Hearing health is often underestimated, yet its intricate relationship with diabetes underscores the importance of comprehensive care. While diabetes primarily affects blood glucose levels, its repercussions extend to hearing health, posing potential challenges to auditory function.
Hearing loss, ranging from mild to severe and temporary to permanent, hinders sound and speech perception, impacting individuals’ confidence and social interactions. Recent studies have revealed a connection between diabetes and an increased risk of hearing impairment, attributed in part to vascular and neural damage throughout the body.
Fluctuations in blood glucose levels, characteristic of diabetes, may impede blood flow to the inner ear, affecting its delicate structures responsible for sound reception. Diabetes-related neuropathy can extend to the auditory nerves, disrupting signal transmission and leading to hearing difficulties. Additionally, inflammation associated with diabetes may compromise the cochlea, emphasizing the importance of anti-inflammatory practices.
What actions can you take?
- Maintain regular visits with your GP, certified diabetes educator, or dietitian for ongoing diabetes management.
- Schedule a hearing screening every three years, or sooner if you observe changes in your hearing or diabetes control.
- Use hearing protection in noisy environments like workplaces or music events.
- Opt for headphones with volume limits and minimize the use of loud music.
Maintaining optimal hearing health involves regular check-ups, avoidance of loud noise exposure, and adoption of a healthy lifestyle, particularly crucial for individuals at risk of diabetes. Proactive measures, including diabetes management, regular health assessments, and lifestyle modifications, play a vital role in safeguarding auditory function and enhancing overall well-being.
Ram Durgaprasad
Director and Hearing Rehabilitation Specialist, Simply Hearing