Hearing loss is a risk that comes with diabetes.

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Nerve damage caused by untreated diabetes can occur elsewhere in the body, including the ears and how well you hear.

Diabetes is a chronic disease with numerous possible short- and long-term effects. Nerve injury is one of the most prevalent complications that can occur in diabetics.

This not only affects roughly two-thirds of diabetics, but it is also widespread, affecting practically every bodily organ and function. Hands, feet, legs, skin, digestive tract, eyes, kidneys, and even senses like smell and hearing are included.

Diabetes and Hearing Loss: Is There a Link?

While the exact reasons for diabetes-related hearing loss are unknown, one thing is certain: All of your senses are dependent on adequate blood flow and nerve activity. Blood vessels nourish your nerves, and nerves are necessary for hearing.

Diabetes can induce a variety of circulatory system complications. Because the body’s systems are all interconnected, these issues can spread to other parts of the body, including your hearing.

Causes of Diabetes-Related Hearing Loss

Hyperglycemia, or poorly controlled elevated blood sugar, can damage nerves and blood vessels that influence hearing and other senses over time.

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can occur with medication-controlled diabetes, can also impair hearing. Low blood sugar levels can interfere with nerve signals carrying sound from the ear to the brain.

Both circumstances combine to generate a recipe for cochlea (inner ear) damage and permanent hearing loss.

Diabetes-Related Hearing Loss Risk Factors

Diabetes alone significantly raises the likelihood of developing hearing loss. According to recent studies, those with diabetes are roughly twice as likely as those who do not have the condition to develop hearing loss.

People with prediabetes (blood sugar levels that are higher than usual but not high enough to be called diabetes) have a 30% increased chance of experiencing hearing loss.

Experts are still attempting to determine whether other factors may contribute to the development of hearing difficulties.

“We are still learning what factors specific to diabetes complications might be important to watch for,” says Dr. Soumya Hullannavar, Lead Ayurveda Endocrine Specialist at Diabetes Reversal Clinics & EliteAyurveda Clinics

Although research is ongoing, one study discovered numerous potentially preventable variables in hearing damage among diabetics:

• Low levels of HDL (the “good” kind of cholesterol)
• Coronary artery disease
• Neuropathy of the periphery

Other general risk factors for hearing loss (not specifically related to diabetes) include:

• Excessive loud noise exposure
• Smoking
• Injury to the ear
• Use of some drugs that may cause ear damage. The most serious offenders are:
• Aminoglycosides (Amikacin) are anti-infectives.
• Cancer medications such as cisplatin (Platinol)
• Furosemide (Lasix), for example, is a loop diuretic.
• Tadalafil (Cialis) and other phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors
• Measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and herpes simplex 1 & 2 are examples of viral infections.
• Meningitis caused by bacterial infections.
• Nutritional deficiencies, namely a lack of vitamins A, B, C, D, and E; magnesium; zinc; selenium; iron; or iodine.
• Predisposition due to genetics

Hearing Loss Warning Signs and Symptoms

Hearing loss may appear to be simple to self-diagnose, but this is not always the case. According to Dr. Soumya, persons who suffer from hearing loss “may not realise the impact of hearing loss, and the reduced hearing is what others around them, such as loved ones and colleagues, notice.”

“There can be many signs of hearing loss to look out for,” he says. “There may be ringing in the ears, you may have to ask people to repeat things, or it may be difficult to focus on individual conversation in a crowded group.”

Other symptoms and indicators may include:

• Difficulty hearing both clearly and completely (for example, missing sections of a story)
• Difficulty comprehending what others are saying
• A tendency to believe that everyone is muttering
• Having to turn up the TV volume so loudly that it disturbs others in the room
• Staring intensely at people as they speak in an attempt to understand what they’re saying
• Feeling tired after straining to hear (sometimes known as “listening fatigue”)
• Turning inward and/or avoiding social interactions

Unfortunately, regardless of diabetes status, hearing loss can occasionally lead to loneliness, sadness, and isolation.

One study looked at the emotional consequences of hearing loss in the elderly. It was discovered that untreated hearing loss can raise a person’s odds of feeling lonely. Depression may develop as a result of loneliness.

One of the many reasons why quick diagnosis and treatment are so vital is to avoid this result. If you don’t have diabetes but know someone who does, watch for these warning signals so you can encourage your loved one to get examined if necessary.

Diagnosis Diabetes-Related Hearing Loss Diagnosis

“Hearing loss is typically diagnosed through a hearing exam conducted by your doctor, so be sure to mention any signs of hearing loss at your next visit,” adds Dr. Soumya

Hearing tests with your health care provider, an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist), or an audiologist should be part of your yearly treatment regimen if you have diabetes.

A clinician may arrange a number of tests to diagnose and assess the severity of your hearing loss. Here are a few examples:

• Pure-tone test: You wear headphones and tell the audiologist when you hear beeps and tones at different volumes.
• Speech test: You listen to the audiologist speak words at various volumes while wearing headphones. You then repeat the words until they are so mild that you can no longer hear them.
• MEMR (middle ear muscle reflex): This test determines how well your ear responds to loud noises. A soft rubber tip is inserted into your ear, producing a succession of sounds. A gadget determines if your ear provoked a reflex. Hearing loss is indicated by a lack of response.
• A two-pronged metal device is inserted behind one of your ears or on top of your head for the tuning fork test. The audiologist strikes the fork to produce a tone, and you describe when and where you heard it.

The sooner you are diagnosed with hearing loss, the sooner you can receive the therapy you require to live a more independent life.

Alternatives to Treatment

Hearing devices are used to treat hearing loss in the majority of situations. Dr. Soumya states, “There have been many advancements to offer better results with these devices, such as over-the-counter availability.”

Indeed, as of August 2022, hearing aids can be purchased over the counter in the United States. This offers up a whole new world of possibilities for folks who can’t or don’t want to pay thousands of dollars for these devices from a medical practitioner, or who have mild to moderate hearing loss.

If you have diabetes, however, it is still advisable to engage with a qualified health care professional for hearing exams and treatments such as hearing aids. Diabetes-related hearing loss necessitates specialized care that self-treatment alone cannot supply.

Other therapies for hearing loss, in addition to hearing aids, may include:

• Assistive devices either transform sound into images or written information, or they amplify sound. Hearing loops, as well as FM, Bluetooth, and infrared systems, are examples.
• If there is an irregularity in the eardrum, surgery is usually an option.
• Cochlear implant: This electronic device bypasses any damaged cochlear tissue and stimulates the auditory (hearing) nerves directly.
• Auditory brainstem implant: This gadget stimulates additional hearing channels in the brain stem by bypassing the cochlea.

How to Prevent Diabetes-Related Hearing Loss

The most important thing you can do to safeguard your hearing and prevent hearing loss if you have diabetes is to keep your blood sugar levels under control.

Diet, exercise, and/or medication can all help with this. Collaborate with your health care practitioner to develop a personalized programme that is right for you.

Other preventative strategies, in addition to blood sugar regulation, include:

• Every year, have your hearing and ears checked.
• Quit smoking if you smoke.
• Avoid being exposed to loud noises on a regular basis.
• Examine your medications to ensure that neither one of them lists ear or hearing problems as a possible side effect. If you realize that you are taking one or more of these “ototoxic” medications, consult your doctor about alternatives.
• Check your immunization status for infections such as varicella/shingles, measles, mumps, and meningitis.
• Collaborate with your doctor to identify and correct any nutritional deficits you may have.

Prospects for Diabetes-Related Hearing Loss

Diabetes complications such as hearing loss can be distressing. It can make you feel isolated, overwhelmed, and depressed. Loved ones may become frustrated with you without realising what is causing the issue.

The good news is that if hearing loss is detected early enough, before the damage is too severe, the outlook is favourable. Even if your hearing loss is severe, there are ways to help you hear better.

Keep track of your ear-care appointments and contact your doctor if you detect any new signs or symptoms.

Our Outlook –

How are we able to Treat Diabetes Completely?

“Madhumeha” is the term for Diabetes in Ayurveda, which means ‘Sweet urine’. The manifestation of diabetes is through thirst or urination. According to Ayurveda, due to accumulation of Vata Dosha. Vata dosha accumulates in the large intestine and travels to the pancreas, which hampers its functioning.

Sometimes, Pitta Dosha also leads to diabetes. This is when Pitta gets accumulated in the small intestine before moving to the liver and may cause damage to pancreas. As the main constituent of Pitta is Agni, it burns out pancreas leading to Diabetes.

If the above things are taken into consideration, the treatment of Diabetes in Ayurveda starts with proper cleansing of the body and balancing of doshas. The treatment includes herbal combinations that are prepared based on individual Prakruti and Vikruti analysis. Ie. The treatment is based on a person’s body composition & which dosha is dominant. The treatments like Dhara, Udwarthanam, Thalam, etc are followed to reverse diabetes. The treatment also includes Panchakarma & Yoga procedures to address the root cause of disease. We have seen many patients successfully reversing Diabetes and now living a healthy life.

Unlike other treatment procedures that jump straight to symptom management, we address the root-cause of the disease. Our treatment for Diabetes has proved to achieve a near cure and symptom-free state. We focus on diet, use of potent herbs, meditation, massage with herbal oils and yoga. These classical ayurveda practices have proven & shown sustained results in our Diabetes Treatment.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Soumya Hullannavar, Lead Ayurveda Endocrine Specialist at Diabetes Reversal Clinics & EliteAyurveda Clinics. With over 15 years of experience in treating endocrine & diabetes cases

Visit  diabetesreversal.clinic for additional details.

Know more about Ayurveda Diabetes Reversal.