Diabetes and hearing loss are two of America’s most widespread health concerns. Nearly 26 million people in the U.S. have diabetes, and an estimated 34.5 million have some type of hearing loss.
Fact:
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has found that hearing loss is twice as common in people with diabetes as it is in those who don’t have the disease. Also, of the 79 million adults thought to have pre-diabetes, the rate of hearing loss is 30% higher than in those with normal blood sugar.
Fact:
The auditory system is supported by a small system of blood vessels and nerves located deep within the temporal bone of the skull. Researchers believe that, over time, high blood glucose levels can damage these vessels and nerves, diminishing the ability to hear.
Fact:
Hearing loss is often accelerated in diabetic patients when their blood-glucose levels are not being controlled with medication and diet. While physicians have been encouraging diabetics to regularly test their vision; screening for hearing loss has often been neglected.
Fact:
A certain degree of hearing loss is associated with aging. For most people, hearing loss is gradual and happens over time. If you are over the age of 50, you should have your hearing tested annually. If you are under age 50, test your hearing every 2 to 3 years.
Common signs of hearing loss include:
- Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
- Trouble following conversations that involve more than two people
- Thinking that others are mumbling
- Problems hearing in noisy places such as busy restaurants
- Trouble hearing the voices of women and small children
- Ringing in the ears known as Tinnitus
- Turning up the TV or radio volume too loud for others who are nearby
The earlier a hearing loss is diagnosed, the earlier it can be treated. Studies have shown that untreated hearing loss can have a negative impact on quality of life as it is associated with social isolation, depression, stress, and is even linked to increased incidence of dementia. Treating hearing loss has a very positive impact on a person’s quality of life by lowering the degree to which any communication impairments can have on a person’s important relationships.
If you or a loved one has diabetes and have not had a hearing test, schedule an appointment with a Zounds hearing professional today. This is one message that should not fall on deaf ears.
Aaron Krasnick, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology │ Zounds Hearing
Zounds Hearing Center NYC
20 East 68th Street, Suite 210
New York, NY 10065
(212) 879-2329