What does the Risk Look Like?
Research has shown that the severity and the duration of diabetes is directly correlated with the rate of hearing loss. Hearing loss has been found to be more prevalent in individuals with a higher HbA1C level (>/= 8%). Moreover, people with pre-diabetes were also found to have a higher rate of hearing loss when compared to healthy persons.
Similarly, studies have shown that the longer the individual has suffered with diabetes, the higher the rate of hearing loss as well as its severity, particularly when the duration of the disease exceeds 5 years.
Additionally, it’s been shown that people with type 1 diabetes are more likely to endure hearing loss than those with type 2 diabetes of the same duration.
How does Diabetes Cause Hearing Loss?
Raised blood sugar levels affects the blood vessels, nerves and other delicate parts of the inner ear.
The walls of the arteries supplying the ear may get abnormally thickened or undergo degeneration, thereby impacting the normal flow of blood. Furthermore, studies have found that the number of nerve cells in the ear may also significantly decrease.
How can we Prevent Hearing Loss?
Maintaining blood glucose levels within normal limits and avoiding frequent sugar spikes can help prevent and delay the onset of hearing loss.
Studies have demonstrated that persons with type 2 diabetes having low blood levels of vitamin D have a higher risk of developing hearing impairment, suggesting a protective role by the vitamin.
Research has implicated that a diet rich in antioxidants may help prevent and potentially reverse the damage caused by hyperglycemia to the ear cells.
Disclaimer
The data presented in this article has been compiled from published scientific literature as well as the opinion of trained medical personnel among other authentic sources. It is meant to help identify and educate individuals who are likely to suffer the health problems discussed in this article . However, it is advised to seek the counsel of the treating doctor before proceeding with any of the outlined suggestions.
Sources
- Deng Y, Chen S, Hu J. Diabetes mellitus and hearing loss. Molecular Medicine. 2023 Oct 24;29(1):141.
- World Health Organisation (WHO): Deafness and Hearing Loss
(www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/deafness-and-hearing-loss)
