Hearing loss common in people with diabetes

KARACHI: Hearing loss is twice as common among people with diabetes as it is in those who do not have the disease, said an updated report of Diabetes digest, a publication of Diabetic Association of Pakistan.

The rate of hearing loss was cited to be 30% higher in adults thought to have pre-diabetes as compared to those with normal blood sugar.

The situation was attributed to the fact that overtime, high blood glucose levels can damage the small blood vessels and nerves in the inner ear on which one's hearing capacities are dependent.

The damage caused to these vessels and nerves diminishes the ability to hear, said the compilers of the report.

In most of the diabetes induced hearing loss instances the person concerned are below 65.Such individuals were recommended to undergo "full hearing exam" that may help them to learn more about their hearing loss and what could be done to treat it.

There is every possibility that the problem may just be an earwax buildup and that could be easily removed by a trained doctor.However, in case of "sensorial Hearing loss," usually found in diabetics the option left for people are "hearing aids."