Written By: Pavitra Sampath | Updated : November 23, 2019 11:06 AM IST
If you are living with diabetes, you are likely to experience difficulty in hearing. Yes, you heard us right here. The debate on the association between hearing loss and high blood sugar levels has been going on from 1960s. However, a study published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that diabetics are twice more likely to suffer from this condition than those whose blood sugar levels are in the normal range. However, the process of hearing loss is so slow that you not even notice the manifestations. The findings of the study also suggest that people with borderline diabetes have a 30 per cent higher rate of hearing loss than non-diabetics. According to the researchers of this study, diabetes damages the nerves and blood vessels of your inner ear. This is what leads to hearing loss. In this Q&A, diabetologist Dr. Mihir Raut clears the air about the link between diabetes and hearing loss.
A. Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type of hearing loss a diabetic may suffer from. This type of hearing loss occurs when the inner ear nerves become damaged and do not transmit signals to the brain. In a diabetic, if his/her blood sugar levels are very high for a prolonged period of time it can lead to nerve damage or neuropathy the main cause for hearing loss in type 2 diabetics. Due to this long-term hyperglycaemia the blood vessels that are a part of the inner ear fail to get enough blood or oxygen and evetually become damaged. This also damages the nerves within the ear. Read why monitoring your blood glucose levels is essential.
A. Diabetes affects the small blood vessels and nerves that are a part of the inner ear which eventually lead to deafness.
A.Diabetic patients suffering from hearing loss may complain that people seem to mumble or that they can hear but find it difficult to understand what is being said. When you experience any of these symptoms, it is time to see a doctor. Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of diabetes.
A. In most cases of diabetic hearing loss, the use of a conventional hearing aid is the most common treatment option. However, if you have a more severe hearing loss, a cochlear implant is recommended. A cochlear implant is an electronic device that is surgically implanted. It bypasses the damaged inner part of the ear and stimulates the nerve responsible for hearing directly. Find out more about hearing aids.
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Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of deafness.
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