Did you realize that people with diabetes have a higher incidence of suffering from hearing loss? The term hearing loss, hearing impairment and deafness refers to a partial or total inability to hear. Hearing loss in the general population, is ranked as one of the top five causes of years lived with a disability (1). Statistics Canada data shows that over 4 million Canadians have at least a mild hearing loss in the speech frequency range and even more people with hearing loss in the higher frequency ranges such as a squeal, child’s voice or a high-pitched whistle.(1) Causes of hearing loss can be attributed to several factors such as aging, hereditary, chronic health conditions (ie diabetes), continued exposure to noise, and substances known to affect hearing such as gasoline powered tools, pesticides and cleaning agents just to mention a few. Sometimes even a virus or fever can cause hearing loss. I know someone who had a viral infection and this seemed to be the start of their hearing loss. Some medications can affect your hearing. For this reason, be sure your pharmacist talks to you about the side effect(s) of any new medication you are prescribed.
Some of us may not think of hearing loss as a disability. However, there are many social and health consequences of having impaired hearing such as embarrassment, anxiety, participation restrictions, falls, other injuries and maybe an increased level of fatigue from concentrating so hard in order to process verbal information.(1)
What happens when we hear a noise? Hearing depends on a series of complex steps that change sound waves in the air into electrical signals. Our auditory nerve then carries the signals to the brain. For a great explanation, I suggest you watch this video.
We know hearing loss is common but why does diabetes increase the risk of hearing impairment?
The exact reason is not clear and it remains a debated topic. However, studies have been published and research indicates that diabetics are two times more likely to having hearing loss as compared to an individual without diabetes, regardless of their age. (2)
We know that diabetes can lead to nerve damage and affect many body parts including the nerves in our ears. High blood sugars, can over time, damage the small blood vessels in the inner ear. Low blood sugars can affect how the nerve signals from the inner ear travel to your brain. In other words, hearing loss develops when sound signals cannot reach the brain.
Hearing loss is most often gradual and something we may not notice about ourselves. We can easily become accustomed to asking people to repeat their words or to turn up the sound device or maybe we just deny it altogether. Other signs of hearing impairment might include:
o Trouble following conversations with more than two people
o You think people are mumbling when you hear them talking
o Difficulty hearing when in a crowd
o People telling you that the television or radio is too loud
o Trouble hearing people who speak in low voices or sounds in a high-pitched range
Hearing loss may also affect your balance. The inner ear is composed of the cochlea and the labyrinth. It is the labyrinth which is responsible for balance. Therefore problems with the inner ear canal may affect balance which in turn could increase the risks of falls and other unwanted injuries.
Diagnosis- if you answered yes to any of the above symptoms, then it is time to see your doctor. The first step the doctor will do is to examine the ears to make sure there is no obvious blockage, fluid or any infection. Be sure to tell the doctor when your hearing issue started and if you can relate it to any special incident, for example a perforated eardrum from an accident, the start of any new medication or any similar possibilities. The doctor can do a test referred to as a tuning fork test. This test will help determine if the problem is with nerves in the middle ear or inner ear. Depending on the results, you could be referred to an ear, nose and throat specialist or an audiologist ( a specialist dealing with hearing problems).
Another diagnostic tool is the audiometer test. This test involves wearing a set of earphones. Different ranges and sounds will be sent to one ear at a time. You will be asked to indicate when you hear a tone.
What can we do to protect our ears?
o Keep our blood sugars as close to normal that is possible and also safe
o Have your hearing checked at least every year or more frequently if hearing loss has started
o Avoid causes of hearing loss such as loud noises
o Review with your pharmacist any medicine that might be interfering with your hearing
Treatment of hearing loss most often depends on the cause. Hearing aids are the most common treatment option, but these are expensive and not everyone can afford the purchase. Other therapies that might benefit an individual are:
1. Antibiotics if there is an infection
2. Removing any type of blockage or build-up of earwax
3. Cochlear implants bypass the injured portion of the auditory system and directly stimulates the auditory nerve. The condition of the nerves is the ear must be known prior to this procedure. If this is necessary be sure to check about provincial or private medical coverage.
4. Surgery is a possibility especially if hearing loss is caused by a birth defect, head trauma, tumors or chronic ear infections.
5. Managing our diabetes within acceptable parameters.
Hearing loss is not reversible so it is important to manage it in a timely manner.
Hearing loss can be frustrating and influence our social and mental well-being. It not only affects you but those around you at home, at work and other places. Like diabetes, it is with you 24 hours a day so having coping strategies is important. There is no shame in experiencing hearing loss so make those around you aware.
If you think you are having any ear issues, don’t delay and make an appointment as soon as possible to have it assessed.
This discussion is for information purposes only. It does not replace any information provided to you by your health-care team of professionals. Wishing everyone a happy and healthy holiday season and the best in 2022. Stay healthy.
My next blog will be in 2022. Please share with others who may be interested and subscribe to my blog.
Take a moment to hear this Instrumental Christmas Music wishing you a Merry Christmas
References:
(1) Unperceived hearing loss among Canadians aged 40 to 79 years- Statistics Canada Health Reports 2019- accessed online December 09th,2021
(2)Diabetics are more likely to suffer from hearing loss by Starkey Canada, May 12,2021- accessed online December 09th,2021
(3) CDC Diabetes and Hearing loss-accessed online.December 09th,2021
(4) Diagram from Google Images- Creative Commons licenses accessed online December 08th, 2021
#hearingloss&diabetes. #hearing&diabetes. .
Great blog Karen! I've started to notice difficulty understanding high-pitched voices (the elves on the TV ad for the jewellry store) and suspect it started with an off-label, high-dose steroid treatment for chronic sinus I was prescribed a couple of years ago. I had stopped it when I developed vertigo, but have had tinnitus ever since... and now I'm noticing some hearing loss. Ironically, my sinus problem was greatly improved by using 1% baby shampoo as a neti-pot! That worked so well, I blogged about it!! I guess I should make an appointment with my doctor...