Can diabetes cause hearing loss? (Query) – TheHealthSite

Here are the signs of hearing loss in diabetics and the treatment option for it?

I am a 50-year-old diabetic male. One of my friends suffered hearing loss in the past month, which is believed to be due to uncontrolled diabetes. Can diabetes cause hearing loss? How to know that uncontrolled glucose level is affecting the ears? Please help, I am very worried.

The query is answered by Dr Abhay Vispute, Diabetologist, SRV Hospital.

Currently, more than 65.1 million people suffer from diabetes in India. Although the cases are rapidly increasing every year, the sudden rise in the number of diabetics is due to the erratic food timings, lack of sleep, unhealthy lifestyle, physical inactivity, overconsumption of food and many such impulsive lifestyle choices. Such changes in lifestyle lead to insulin resistance wherein the body does not use insulin properly leading to uncontrolled diabetes and increasing the risk of complications of diabetes. And one such condition is hearing loss.

Poor control of blood sugar, blood pressure and blood lipids can cause blockages in the blood vessels within the internal ear leading to hearing loss. Around 13% to 15% of diabetics that are under my treatment face hearing loss. This is particularly seen in those who have crossed 45 years of age and have uncontrolled sugar levels. It mostly starts with itching, which might lead to unusual sound in unilateral ear gradually causing complete loss of hearing. The microvascular blood supply is poor among diabetics causing faster degenerative changes in the internal ear. It may cause low or high frequency in either one of the ears, increasing the pressure on the internal ear. Hence, if you hear echoing sounds in either of the ears, it might indicate hearing loss. Read about how to manage your blood sugar better with these 10 easy tips.

The only solution after you are impaired of hearing is to use hearing aids. Hence, it is advisable to check your ears regularly and conduct an audiogram once in every 2/3 years and also look out for symptoms that indicate hearing impairment to prevent hearing loss. Moreover, loss of hearing is very subjective, even those who are non-diabetic can develop this condition but the risks are higher among diabetics. Heres more on hearing loss or deafness: 7 facts you ought to know

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Published: April 3, 2017 2:26 pm

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Can diabetes cause hearing loss? (Query) - TheHealthSite