Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide. While the most common complications of diabetes are well-known, such as heart disease, kidney disease, and vision loss, many people are unaware that diabetes can also affect their hearing. In fact, people with diabetes are twice as likely to develop hearing loss as those without diabetes.

The Connection

The cause of diabetes-induced hearing loss is thought to be related to the damage that high blood sugar levels can cause to the small blood vessels and nerves in the inner ear. When the blood vessels and nerves in the inner ear are damaged, they cannot function properly, which can lead to hearing loss.

Symptoms

The symptoms of diabetes-induced hearing loss can vary from person to person, but may include:

• Difficulty in hearing high-pitched sounds
• Difficulty in hearing in noisy environments
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Feeling of fullness in the ears

Diagnosis

If you have diabetes and are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see an ENT specialist. They can diagnose hearing loss and determine the best course of treatment.

Treatment

There is no cure for diabetes-induced hearing loss, but there are treatments that can help to improve your hearing. These treatments may include:

• Hearing aids (Click here to learn about how to choose the right hearing aid; Click here to find out the cost of hearing aids in India)
• Cochlear implants
• Medications
• Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and managing your blood sugar levels

Prevention

The best way to prevent diabetes-induced hearing loss is to manage your diabetes properly. This includes:

• Keeping your blood sugar levels under control
• Eating a healthy diet
• Exercising regularly
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Quitting smoking

If you have diabetes, it is important to have your hearing checked regularly, even if you are not experiencing any symptoms of hearing loss.

Remember, hearing loss is a common complication of diabetes, but it is not inevitable. By managing your diabetes properly and taking steps to protect your hearing, you can help to prevent or delay the onset of hearing loss.