A recent medical study showed that people with type 2 diabetes are 4.19 times more likely than others to develop hearing loss or gradual loss over time, after analyzing extensive data from 17 studies that included about 8,000 participants between patients and a comparison group of healthy people. The study, which shed light on the prevalence of hearing loss among patients, which ranged between 40.6% and 71.9%, showed that a continuous rise in blood glucose levels, especially in those who have had diabetes for more than 10 years or who have high levels of HbA1c, leads to a decrease in the sensitivity of the inner ear to high-frequency sounds, as a result of the disease’s effect on the tiny blood vessels that nourish the cochlea.
According to the researchers, the average increase in the hearing threshold among those affected was about 3.19 decibels compared to others, which makes hearing loss a complication that requires periodic follow-up, just like monitoring the retina and peripheral nerves in diabetic patients. The study confirmed that the delay in detecting hearing loss increases the possibility of hearing abilities deteriorating to more difficult stages of treatment, which is reflected in the quality of life and social communication of patients, especially the elderly.
The scientific team stressed the need to include hearing screening within the standard protocols for monitoring complications of type 2 diabetes, and to raise health awareness that hearing loss may not only be related to age, but may also be an early sign of complications related to high glucose levels and microvascular health. They also recommended the importance of committing to control HbA1c levels, adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes physical activity, and adhering to appropriate treatment to reduce hearing deterioration and maintain it for as long as possible.
A recent medical study has shown that individuals with type 2 diabetes face a likelihood approximately 4.19 times greater than others of experiencing hearing impairment or gradual hearing loss over time. This conclusion was drawn after analyzing extensive data from 17 studies involving around 8,000 participants, including patients and a comparison group of healthy individuals. The study highlighted the prevalence of hearing impairment among patients, which ranged between 40.6% and 71.9%. It explained that the continuous rise in blood glucose levels, particularly in those who have had diabetes for more than 10 years or have high HbA1c levels, leads to a decline in the inner ear’s sensitivity to high-frequency sounds, due to the disease’s impact on the tiny blood vessels supplying the cochlea.
According to the researchers, the average increase in the hearing threshold among affected individuals was about 3.19 decibels compared to others, which makes hearing impairment a significant issue that requires regular monitoring, just like the monitoring of the retina and peripheral nerves in diabetic patients. The study confirmed that delays in detecting hearing impairment increase the likelihood of auditory capabilities deteriorating to more challenging stages of treatment, which affects the quality of life and social communication for patients, especially among the elderly.
The scientific team emphasized the necessity of including hearing tests in the standard protocols for monitoring complications of type 2 diabetes and raising health awareness that hearing loss may not only be age-related but could also be an early sign of complications associated with elevated glucose levels and the health of microvessels. They also recommended the importance of maintaining HbA1c levels, adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes physical activity, and adhering to appropriate treatment to reduce hearing deterioration and preserve it for as long as possible.
