Hearing Loss with Diabetes. Twice as Likely.

With November being Diabetes Awareness month, do you know about…

• What it is?
• Prevalence?
• Signs and symptoms?
• How it relates to hearing loss?

Type 2 diabetes is dysfunction in how our body regulates and uses sugar (glucose) as fuel. This chronic disease results in excess sugar circulating through the bloodstream. When the pancreas does not produce the proper amount of insulin to regulate sugar movement, cells may take in less sugar than normal. As a result, elevated sugar levels may damage circulatory, nervous and immune systems. While Type 2 diabetes has no cure, healthy nutrition and exercise, in addition to prescribed insulin therapy, can assist with managing it and reducing negative impacts.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimated that 34.2 million (10.5%) of all U.S adults, 18 years or older, have diabetes and 7.3 million (21.4%) are not yet diagnosed. Prevalence increases with age, reaching 26.8% among those 65 years or older, being highest among American Indians / Alaska Natives, people of Hispanic origin and Blacks.¹

Since Type 2 diabetes may develop slowly, many are unaware they live with this serious condition. If and when these signs or symptoms persist, or if you have a family history, proper evaluation by your primary care doctor or endocrinologist is recommended.

For your easy reference, this 60 second Type 2 test is provided by the American Diabetes Association, an amazing organization dedicated to raising awareness, evidence-based education and crucial community support. For your benefit, please explore their informative website’s valuable resources.

While patients typically learn about this systemic disease’s impact from primary care providers, endocrinologists, eye doctors or podiatrists, more should get sound advice from their hearing care providers. Did you know hearing loss occurs almost twice as often in adults who have diabetes than in those that do not?

1. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data/statistics-report/index.html

As remarkable ADA statistics highlight:

“Diabetes and hearing loss are two of America’s most widespread health concerns. More than 34 million people in the U.S have diabetes, and an estimated 34.5 million have some type of hearing loss. Those are large groups of people, and it appears there is a lot of overlap between the two.”

“Of the 88 million adults in the U.S who have prediabetes, the rate of hearing loss is 30% higher than in those with normal blood glucose.”

For further information, please review CDC Info.

While many are familiar with how circulatory issues affect heart health, it is also essential to know how they can negatively impact cochlear anatomy, nerve signals and auditory function. Research indicates high blood sugar levels may damage the inner ear’s small blood vessels and nerves, diminishing our ability to hear best.

While we take your hearing care seriously, a little laughter goes a long way.

Good Humor, Healthy Hearing

Please proactively see us for periodic evaluations to monitor your type and degree of hearing loss. In close coordination with your other healthcare providers, we will suggest healthy options to reduce the risk of inner ear damage, optimize hearing acuity and enhance quality of life. In the spirit of the holiday season, we Give Thanks for all opportunities to be of service.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR YOU OR YOUR LOVED ONES.
707.827.1630