Until recently, hearing loss was not considered a complication of diabetes. However, now it is understood that diabetes loss of hearing is a significant issue in diabetic treatment. Hearing loss has been found to be twice as prevalent in people with diabetes as their healthy counterparts. This is according to a study conducted by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease and reported by U.S.News.com
As stated above, definite links have been found in the connection between diabetes and hearing loss. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), diabetes loss of hearing is believed to be caused by high blood glucose levels damaging the nerves and blood vessels in the inner ear. For this reason, the ADA’s website, Diabetes.org, lists the following signs of hearing loss:
- Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
- Having trouble following conversations with two or more people
- Thinking that others are mumbling
- Problems
