Dallas County Living Well Magazine Winter 2015 | Page 33

What’s the Link between
Hearing Loss and Diabetes?

A

ccording to the American Diabetes Association, it’s
estimated that 25.8 million Americans (children and
adults) have diabetes. That’s 8.3% of the population. There are certainly many complications from diabetes
that are well known such as heart disease, kidney disease,
blindness, stroke, high blood pressure, and peripheral neuropathy.

Additionally, one of the most common and yet least understood and diagnosed complication of diabetes is hearing
loss. In a 2008 study, it was found that diabetics have approximately a 30% higher incidence of hearing loss than
patients with normal blood sugar. Over 50% of those, who
participated in the study, in particular showed a high frequency hearing loss, which is one of the most common
types of hearing loss and the type effectively treated with
hearing aids. The study also showed a correlate between
pre-diabetes and hearing loss.
Diabetes can lead to nerve damage. Neuropathy occurs when high blood sugars cause chemical changes in
nerves that impair their ability to transmit signals. Hearing

By Elizabeth Brassine, Au.D.

also depends on nerves of the peripheral auditory mechanism. It’s believed that over time high blood glucose levels
damage these nerves diminishing the ability to hear. High
blood sugar is also known to damage vascular systems.
Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the ear similar
to the retina. The structures of the ear have a delicate
blood supply, which is susceptible to disruption due to
diabetes. This interruption can result in damage to the sensory structures of the ear, therefore causing or contributing
to hearing loss.
Finally the study looked at the link between how long someone has lived with diabetes and the severity of their hearing loss. Specifically it was found that 75% of individuals
who had diabetes for more than eight years experienced a
moderate to severe hearing loss.
So, if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with diabetes or is classified as pre-diabetic, it’s important to have
your hearing screened. If a hearing loss is suspected then
a full hearing test would be recommended. Contact your
audiologist today.

HEARING SERVICES

of McKinney

Better Hearing Keeps You Connected!
• Staffed by 2 Licensed, Doctors of Audiology
• Hearing Aid Fittings, Maintenance and Repairs
• Invisible Fittings/Open Fittings
• Evaluation Period On All Hearing Aids
• Hearing Evaluations For All Ages
• Wireless/Connectivity Hearing Solutions
• Battery Purchase Programs
“After 10 years of training hearing
• Custom Ear Protection
professionals, I decided to come home
• Assistive Devices
to McKinney to do what I love
most-helping
the hearing impaired”.
• 26 Years of Experience

Liz Brassine, Au.D.

Locally Owned and Operated
Financing Options Available
Mon-Fri: 8:30am- 5:00pm
Other times available by appt.

972.838.1300
www.hearinmckinney.com
4201 Medical Center Dr, Suite 270
Across from Medical Center of McKinney

LIZ BRASSINE, Au.D.
DOCTOR OF AUDIOLOGY

DALLAS COUNTY Living Well Magazine | WINTER 2015

31