There is enough evidence to strongly suggest that there is a link between type 2 diabetes and hearing impairment, concluding that diabetes can damage the auditory system.
Researchers reviewed previous studies that examined the link between diabetes and hearing loss.
Elizabeth Helzner, assistant professor in the School of Public Health, said that the link between diabetes and hearing loss has been shown in many studies. However, a comparison between these studies is not easy because there is a lack on consistency in hearing loss and other factors.
Helzner added that the relationship between diabetes and hearing loss is more prominent in studies where the cohort included younger people. This is because it’s possible that age-related hearing impairment may be masking the effects of diabetes.
Sixteen percent of American adults are affected by hearing loss. Close to half are people older than 75.
Hearing loss happens slowly, so it is difficult to notice the symptoms. Signs of hearing loss include the following:
- Turning up the radio of TV volume too loud.
- Perceiving other as mumbling.
- Difficulty hearing the voices of children or women.
- Problems hearing in noisy places, like a restaurant.
- Trouble following conversations involving several people.
- Frequently asking other to repeat themselves.
