Importance of Annual Hearing Tests for People with Diabetes

What is diabetes?

There are two common types of diabetes.  Type 1 typically begins in childhood, and Type 2 typically begins in adulthood  Diabetes is a disorder in which blood sugar levels are elevated, leading to a change in the body’s ability to metabolize carbohydrates, proteins and fats.  Instead of providing fuel to the body, these nutrients remain in the bloodstream.   This buildup results in damage to the vascular and nerve systems in the body.

How should I treat my diabetes?

Individuals who have been diagnosed with diabetes are taught to carefully monitor blood sugar, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly.  Visit your primary care physician as recommended.  Most patients are also advised to pursue annual monitoring of their eyes and feet for signs of neuropathy.  What many people do not realize, however, is that they should have their hearing checked regularly for the same reasons.

How does diabetes affect the ear and hearing?

The nerve cells contained in the innermost part of the ear (called the cochlea) are located in an area with a very rich blood supply.  The main cause of hearing loss in people with diabetes is decreased blood flow to the cochlea.  Hearing loss due to diabetes affects the high pitch ranges more than the lower pitch sounds, which causes  individuals to have more difficulty hearing in crowded places or understanding the speech of women and children.

What can I do to keep myself hearing well?

Annual evaluation by cardiologists, podiatrists, and ophthalmologists is considered the standard of care of patients with diabetes.  Annual hearing tests should be added to this list–before any difficulty hearing is noted!  A hearing loss is most easily treated if caught early.  The biggest enemy of hearing well for any person is the amount of noise to which they are exposed.  If you know you are at risk for hearing loss due to diabetes, help protect your ears by limiting your exposure to noise and wearing earplugs when noise is unavoidable.  Finally, everything you do to help keep your body healthy will also help your ears.  Better control of blood sugar levels is associated with better hearing!

To schedule an appointment for your annual hearing test, call Hearing Solutions at 410-672-1233.