Are Diabetes & Hearing Loss Related?
Diabetes is a disease that affects multiple areas of your body, including the sensitive blood vessels in your ears. When these blood vessels become damaged, there is no way for them to receive the blood supply they need to function properly. The end result is damaged hearing.
Diabetes can also cause weakness and numbness in your legs which, when coupled with hearing loss, can put you at risk for developing a balance disorder. If you have diabetes and are experiencing symptoms of hearing loss, contact our friendly office today to schedule your free consultation with our experienced audiologist.
Dr. Pickup has been featured in The Hearing Journal where she shares her personal diabetes story and the link to hearing loss. Click here to read the article.
How to Stay On Top of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is a common issue many people face on a daily basis, and your chance of developing hearing loss increases with age. There is hope, however! Even if you have a disease, like diabetes, that increases your risk, there are things you can do to preserve your hearing, including:
Control Blood Sugar – Maintaining control of your blood sugar helps to minimize damage to the blood vessels in your ears and could keep your hearing intact longer.
No Smoking – Smoking tightens your blood vessels, including the fragile blood vessels in your ears, which increases your risk for hearing loss, in turn. When coupled with diabetes, your risk increases substantially. Avoid smoking, especially when you have diabetes, to help maintain your hearing.
Manage Loud Noise Exposure – It’s always a good idea to protect your ears from exposure to loud noise! However, when you have diabetes, it becomes crucial. That’s why it’s important to always use earplugs or other hearing protection when in a loud environment to help preserve your hearing.