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 hearing loss.
Is there a link? Yes, says the National Institute of Health (NIH). The 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 percent higher than in those with normal blood sugar.
Hearing depends on small blood vessels and nerves in the inner ear. Researchers believe that, over time, high blood-glucose levels can damage these vessels and nerves, diminishing the ability to hear.
Quite often, family members and friends notice hearing loss before the person experiencing it. If you think you may be experiencing hearing loss, talk with your doctor about having your hearing tested.
Source: National Institute of Health
Good Neighbor Pharmacy Health Connection, September 2013
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