Diabetes and Hearing Loss

Research has found a connection between hearing loss and diabetes. This is an important connection to make with diabetes on the rise in Canada. Diabetes has grown in the last few years and today it affects just over 9% of Canadians. This is estimated to grow in Canada to 44% by 2025. The relationship between diabetes and hearing loss has not been clear for many years. However, research now shows that there is a strong relationship. We do not know why, or how diabetes and hearing loss are connected.

Diabetes study

In an American study, 53,461 patients were not diabetic, while 12,575 had diabetes. In the diabetic group, 13.1 percent had sensorineural hearing loss, compared to 10.3 percent in the non-diabetic group. The researchers concluded that individuals with diabetes are 30% more likely to have hearing loss and that: “There is a greater prevalence of hearing loss among persons with diabetes across all groups of ages and socioeconomic characteristics, especially in young adults.” – Audiology Healthcare News, 2014 It is important to monitor your health and hearing to ensure you stay as healthy as possible. Diagnosing hearing loss early can be beneficial to your overall mental and physical health. Watch for signs of hearing loss in yourself and your loved ones.

Signs of hearing loss

• The volume on the TV and radio is too loud for everyone around you.
• Trouble following conversations of people around you if the group exceeds two people.
• Complaining that everyone mumbles.
• Trouble hearing women’s and children’s voices.
• Frequently asking people to repeat themselves.

Signs of diabetes

Signs of diabetes can include weight fluctuations (loss or gain), blurred vision, tingling in hands and feet, and frequent urination. It is also common for cuts and bruises to take a long time to heal.

Hearing and your health

Many areas of our health are connected. It’s important to take a multi-pronged approach to your healthcare needs. Be proactive! Ensure that you have regular check-ups with your Physician and your Doctor of Audiology annually.

Hearing healthcare articles…

Source: Audiology Healthcare News, 2014, Diabetes Canada, & the American Diabetes Association