"Can you hear me now?" ts a catchy phrase from a cell phone commercial, but real hearing loss is anything but funny. Although many Americans have diabetes and many Americans have hearing loss, it wasn't until recently that researchers connected the two.
The Connection
Hearing loss is twice as common in people with diabetes as in those without the disease. Even people with prediabetes have a greater rate of hearing loss than the general public. Researchers believe that out-of-control blood sugar levels contribute to hearing loss by damaging the small blood vessels and nerves in the ears.
Hearing Loss at Any Age
Hearing loss is present in people under 65 years old more often than ever before. Common signs of hearing loss include:
• Muffled hearing
• Tinnitus, or loud, buzzing, hissing or static sounds in your ear
• Difficulty understanding people, especially in situations where there is a lot of background noise
• Turning up the volume on the television, radio and iPod to the maximum or near maximum decimal
• Believing that everyone else is mumbling
• Having others tell you that you are screaming when you believe that you are just conversing
• Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
• Being unable to hold a complete conversation over the phone
Getting Answers
Speak with your diabetes care team about your hearing loss suspicions. It could be something as simple as excessive wax build-up or something that requires a more thorough examination by a specialist. Treatment is based on the type of hearing loss. Unfortunately, if the hearing loss is related to nerve and blood vessel damage—and it appears that most hearing loss in patients with diabetes is—than the hearing loss is likely permanent. But, you will not know unless you speak with your doctor. Thankfully, hearing aids are getting smaller, have better capabilities and are covered by many insurance plans. Schedule an appointment today for a dull-hearing exam. The only way to get help is to speak up (for yourself).
Living Without Limits Winter 2012
Share with Friend
