If you suffer from diabetes, it’s more important than ever to make sure you protect your hearing.
A number of studies have found a link between the two conditions, so while it’s important that everyone gets regular hearing checks, those with diabetes should be having them more frequently and are urged to pay close attention to any changes in their hearing.
It is believed that high blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels of the inner ear and thus damage your ability to hear. Those with diabetes usually experience sudden onset hearing loss and anyone with the condition, regardless of age, can develop hearing loss associated with diabetes.
Signs of hearing loss:
- Friends and family are usually the first to notice a change in your hearing
- If you think people are mumbling or talking too fast
- If others notice the TV volume or your music is up too loud
- Tinnitus, or a ringing in the ears can be an early sign of hearing loss
- If you have trouble keeping up with conversations or ask others to repeat themselves
- Trouble hearing women and children
So, if you have diabetes, ensure you’re doing whatever you can to protect your hearing such as wearing custom ear plugs in noisy environments. Book regular hearing checks and pay attention to the signs of hearing loss.