Diabetes is associated with a variety of health disorders, including atherosclerosis, kidney disease, retinopathy, and neuropathy. It also appears to be associated with an increased risk of hearing loss. The relationship between diabetes and hearing loss is complex. Mediating factors include the following:

Hyperglycemia

• Hyperglycemia is common in diabetic patients

• Studies have shown that increased blood glucose levels are associated with decreased speech perception and greater hearing loss

• Controlling blood glucose may decrease the risk of hearing complications for diabetics

Cancer

• Individuals with diabetes have a greater risk of developing cancer

• Chemotherapy (e.g. cisplatin, carboplatin) can cause sensorineural hearing loss

Aspirin

• Aspirin is commonly prescribed to diabetics

• Aspirin use is associated with both hearing loss and auditory processing disorder

Antibiotics

• Diabetics are more likely to use antibiotics because increased risk of infections

• Antibiotics such as tobramycin, gentamicin, and amikacin are ototoxic and associated with hearing loss

Vascular Pathology

• Diabetics often have associated vascular pathologies

• Less blood flow, less oxygen exchange, and ion transport can affect hearing

• Treatments that improve nerve blood flow can minimize the hearing loss risk

Are you worried about diabetes and hearing loss? Book a test to check your hearing.

References

Dorit Samocha-Bonet, Buffy Wu, David K. Ryugo. Diabetes mellitus and hearing loss: A review, Ageing Research Reviews, Volume 71, 2021, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1568163721001707