Research has shown that if you have diabetes, you may be at an increased risk of hearing loss.
Diabetes Poses Threat to Hearing
One study found that people with diabetes are twice as likely to experience hearing loss as people without the condition. The same study showed that people who were classified as prediabetic had a 30% higher rate of hearing loss compared to those with normal blood sugar levels.
Diabetes can damage the nerves and blood vessels of the inner ear, leading to sensorineural hearing loss. Once this damage occurs, it cannot be reversed, which is one of the many reasons why managing your diabetes is so important.
Manage Diabetes to Prevent Hearing Loss
Damage to the inner ear is more likely to occur if your blood sugar levels are unstable. To keep your blood sugar in check, make sure you are doing all of the following:
- Follow a healthy diet
- Monitor blood sugar and A1C levels
- Take any prescribed medication
- Have regular checkups with your doctor
- Whether it’s a daily walk around your neighborhood or a fitness class at Clay Madsen Recreation Center, try and get regular physical exercise most days of the week.
Be Aware of Early Hearing Loss Signs
In addition to managing your diabetes, it’s important to keep an eye on your hearing health. Hearing loss happens gradually and is almost always progressive. Many people let their condition go untreated for years simply because they aren’t aware of the severity.
If you’ve experienced any of the following, schedule an appointment for a hearing test as soon as possible:
- Family and friends have commented on your hearing
- You find yourself struggling to follow conversations, particularly in crowded places with lots of background noise
- You feel like people are always mumbling or you’re frequently asking them to repeat themselves
- Phone conversations are difficult to hear
- Others have commented on the volume when you watch TV or listen to music
The sooner your hearing loss is diagnosed, and you can begin treatment with hearing aids, the better your outcome will be.
If you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment, call the experts at Tejas Hearing Aid Center today.