Diabetes Increases Chances Of Hearing Loss

By Kathy Mellott, AuD

Hearing loss is about twice as common in people with diabetes compared to those without the disease, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Yet, unlike eye exams, hearing health examinations are often overlooked in the routine regimen of care for people with diabetes.

Unfortunately, the ramifications for leaving hearing loss unaddressed can be significant. Numerous studies link unmanaged hearing loss to a wide range of physical and emotional conditions, including depression, impaired memory and ability to learn new tasks, increased risk to personal safety, reduced job performance and earning power, and diminished psychological and overall health. A study conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins and the National Institute on Aging even found that seniors with hearing loss are significantly more likely to develop dementia over time than those who retain their hearing.

“A certain degree of hearing loss is common with aging, but it is often accelerated in patients with diabetes, especially if blood-glucose levels are not being controlled,” said senior study author Kathleen L. Yaremchuk, M.D., Chair of the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.

According to BHI, the vast majority of people with hearing loss, including those with diabetes, can benefit from hearing aids. In fact, studies show that when people with mild-to-profound hearing loss use hearing aids, they experience decreased depressive symptoms, anxiety and emotional instability; significant improvements in quality of life and functional health status; and have significantly higher self-concepts compared to individuals with hearing loss who do not wear hearing aids.

U.S. research also shows that the use of hearing aids reduces the risk of income loss, and that those who use hearing aids are twice as likely to be employed as their peers who do not use hearing aids.