Hearing loss is common in people with diabetes. As diabetes becomes more common, the disease may become a significant contributor to hearing loss.

A recent study found that hearing loss is twice as common in people with diabetes as it is in those who don't have the disease.

Also, of the 86 million adults in the U.S . who have pre-diabetes, the rate of hearing loss is 30% higher than in those with normal blood glucose. Research shows that people with uncontrolled type I or type 2 diabetes are twice as likely as others to experience hearing loss.In a large study of people ages 20-69, researchers from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney diseases found a strong association between diabetes and hearing problems,emerging as early as age 30.

It,s possible that the high blood glucose levels associated with diabetes cause damage to the small blood vessels in the inner ear,similar to the way in which it damages the eye and the kidneys.

Diabetes may lead to hearing loss by damaging the nerves and blood vessels of the inner ear.

Since it happens slowly, the symptoms of hearing loss can often be hard to notice. In fact, family members and friends sometimes notice the hearing loss before the person experiencing it.

Signs of Hearing loss :

  • Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
  • Trouble following conversation that involve more than two people
  • A hearing problem frustrates you or triggers arguments when talking to family members
  • A hearing problem causes you to attend public events or services less often than you would like
  • Thinking that others are mumbling
  • Problems hearing in noisy places such as busy restaurants
  • Trouble hearing the voices of women and small children
  • Turning up the TV or radio volume too loud for others who are nearby
  • Hearing loss makes you feel depressed