Did you know diabetes can impact hearing and balance?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, diabetes can damage small blood vessels in the ears and vestibular system, causing hearing loss and balance disorders.
In addition:
- Hearing loss is twice as common in adults with diabetes.
- You are at a greater risk of falling if you have diabetes because of damage to your vestibular system.
- Those with prediabetes blood glucose levels have a rate of hearing loss that is 30% higher than in those with normal blood glucose levels.
Nerve damage is also a factor—diabetes can damage auditory nerves, which may lead to hearing loss. Diabetic patients often take ototoxic medications to manage their disease, which also affects hearing and vestibular function.
If you or a loved one is prediabetic or diagnosed with diabetes, regular audiological evaluations are recommended. Contact Silver Audiology to schedule an appointment or learn more.