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Home Features Soapbox

Diabetes-related hearing loss; a growing concern

by Staff Writer
September 24, 2024
in Features, Opinion, Research, Soapbox
Reading Time: 10 mins read
A A
Factors such as poor glycaemic control can contribute to the development and progression of hearing loss in people with diabetes. Image: Proxima Studio/shutterstock.com.

Factors such as poor glycaemic control can contribute to the development and progression of hearing loss in people with diabetes. Image: Proxima Studio/shutterstock.com.

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Recent studies have shed light on the connection between diabetes and hearing loss, writes LIAN GIJO. 

Diabetes-related hearing loss is a growing concern.

Diabetes mellitus, a chronic condition, is on the rise globally. It occurs when the pancreas fails to produce insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. 

Lian Gijo. Image: Supplied.

The World Health Organization reports a staggering 537 million individuals between the ages of 20 to 79 are living with diabetes. In Australia alone, the prevalence has doubled since 1981, with one in 20 Australians diagnosed with the condition. Type 2 diabetes accounts for the majority of cases, affecting 87.6% of those with diabetes. Additionally, Indigenous populations face a significantly higher risk.

Links to hearing loss

Recent studies have shed light on the connection between diabetes and hearing loss. High blood sugar levels in people with diabetes can disrupt the auditory system, leading to physiological and anatomical changes. 

Research indicates that individuals with diabetes are at a moderate to high risk of experiencing hearing loss, particularly sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). 

Studies have also shown a correlation between the duration of diabetes and the incidence of hearing loss, with longer-standing diabetes posing a higher risk. 

Additionally, poor glycaemic control exacerbates this risk and  individuals demonstrating higher HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin) levels are more susceptible to hearing impairment.

Understanding the factors

Factors such as poor glycaemic control, duration of diabetes, and metabolic abnormalities contribute to the development and progression of hearing loss in people with diabetes.

Studies have found a significant association between elevated HbA1c levels and an increased risk of hearing impairment. Furthermore, individuals with long-standing diabetes are more likely to experience damage to cochlear hair cells, particularly at high frequencies.

Examining glycaemic control

Glycaemic control, as measured by HbA1c levels, plays a crucial role in managing diabetes-related complications, including hearing loss. 

While some studies suggest a positive correlation between glycaemic control and hearing preservation, others yield inconclusive results. Research investigating the effect of glycaemic control on hearing recovery post-insulin treatment presents mixed findings, indicating the need for further exploration.

Future directions

Despite advances in understanding diabetes-related hearing loss, there remain gaps in research, particularly for Indigenous populations. Addressing these gaps is crucial for early identification and intervention strategies, ultimately improving health outcomes and quality of life for individuals living with diabetes. 

Future studies focusing on the influence of early glycaemic control on hearing loss progression in specific populations, such as Indigenous Australians, are warranted to inform targeted interventions and enhance overall health outcomes.

By raising awareness of the link between diabetes and hearing loss and advocating for further research, we can work towards mitigating the impact of this debilitating complication and improving the lives of those affected.  

About the author:
Name: Lian Gijo
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology from India’s Manipal Academy of Higher Education, and a Master’s in Clinical Audiology from Macquarie University.
Affiliations: Audiology trainer with the Australasian College of Audiometry.
Location: Sydney
Years in industry: Five 

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