This National Diabetes Month, it’s important to remember that while blood glucose levels are not something you can hear, they can affect your hearing. A study by the National Institutes of Health shows a strong link between diabetes and hearing loss. Diabetics are 50% more likely to experience hearing impairment than non-diabetics. Pre-diabetics also show a 30% higher risk of hearing loss than those with normal glucose levels.

Diabetes Linked to Hearing Loss: The Numbers

The connection between diabetes and hearing loss is both alarming and undeniable. As two significant health concerns in the United States, the overlap between these conditions affects millions of people. Let’s take a closer look at the numbers:

34.5 million Americans experience some degree of hearing impairment. This includes both mild and severe hearing loss, impacting their ability to communicate effectively and maintain a high quality of life.

30 million Americans have diabetes. Diabetes is a widespread chronic condition, with numbers steadily increasing due to lifestyle and genetic factors. People with diabetes face various complications, including nerve damage, cardiovascular problems, and now, a clear connection to hearing loss.

86 million Americans are pre-diabetic. Pre-diabetes is a state in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. Without lifestyle changes, most pre-diabetics will develop type 2 diabetes within five years. Even at the pre-diabetic stage, individuals have a 30% greater risk of hearing loss compared to those with normal blood sugar levels.

These statistics are a wake-up call. With so many Americans at risk of both diabetes and hearing loss, it’s crucial to raise awareness of the connection. The overlap of these conditions means that millions of people may unknowingly face hearing impairment as a complication of diabetes or pre-diabetes. The risks of untreated hearing loss can be devastating.

Understanding these numbers emphasizes the importance of early detection. Regular hearing checkups are vital for those diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes, as early intervention can help manage the impact of these conditions. As diabetes continues to rise, addressing hearing health should become an essential part of diabetes care.

An older woman cups her hand by her ear.

Why Does Diabetes Impact Hearing?

Diabetes affects various parts of the body, including the delicate structures within the inner ear. The inner ear relies on a steady supply of oxygen-rich blood to function properly. When blood glucose levels are consistently high, as is often the case in diabetics, it can damage small blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the ear.

Over time, this damage restricts blood flow to the inner ear, which is critical for maintaining healthy hearing. Without proper circulation, the tiny hair cells in the cochlea, responsible for translating sound into signals the brain can interpret, can become damaged or die off. Unlike other cells, these hair cells do not regenerate. Once they are damaged, the resulting hearing loss is often permanent.

Additionally, high blood sugar levels can cause damage to the auditory nerve. This nerve plays an essential role in transmitting sound signals from the ear to the brain. Damage to this nerve can lead to difficulties in processing sound, further contributing to hearing loss.

Because these changes happen gradually, many people with diabetes may not notice hearing loss until it becomes more pronounced. However, the connection between diabetes and hearing loss is clear. Poor blood sugar control affects the small nerves and blood vessels that support healthy hearing, making it crucial for diabetics and pre-diabetics to monitor their hearing health regularly.

Signs of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss from diabetes can be gradual, so you might not notice it immediately. Look out for these early signs:

  • Difficulty hearing in group conversations.
  • Trouble understanding high-pitched voices.
  • Needing to raise the volume higher than others in the room.
  • Struggling to understand speech when not looking at the speaker.
  • Ringing in the ears.
  • Problems hearing in noisy environments.
  • Frequently asking people to repeat themselves.

An audiologist places a hearing aid on a woman's ear.

Protect Your Hearing: Get Regular Evaluations

With diabetes already connected to so many health concerns, don’t let hearing loss add to the burden. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes, schedule regular hearing checkups. Just like dental exams and eye tests, regular hearing evaluations can help detect changes early. Stay proactive about your hearing health to maintain a better quality of life.

We effectively manage hearing loss and help people live more engaged and happier lives as a result. Call us today to schedule a comprehensive hearing evaluation. Contact American Hearing + Audiology for an appointment at one of our top-rated hearing centers.