The Connection Between Diabetes and Hearing Loss: What You Need to Know

Diabetes, which is the eighth leading cause of death in the US, is a major health crisis in Texas. Over the past decade, cases in Texas have surged 40%, and by 2040, nearly 8 million Texans are projected to have the disease, doubling the current prevalence to 23.8%. Texas consistently surpasses national averages, with East Texas having some of the highest rates in the state.

While much attention is paid to the common complications of diabetes, such as kidney disease and vision loss, hearing loss is an often overlooked complication. Dr. Patricia Mejia Osuna, Physician of Adult Primary Care/Internal Medicine at Legacy Community Health, offers insights into how diabetes affects hearing and what can be done to reduce the risk.

How are Diabetes and Hearing Loss Connected?

“The exact pathophysiology or connection between diabetes and hearing loss is not completely understood,” explains Dr. Mejia Osuna. “It is likely due to small vessel and nerve damage in the inner ear, similar to the way uncontrolled diabetes affects kidney function and vision.”

Essentially, just as diabetes can cause damage to the body’s blood vessels and nerves, it also has the potential to harm the delicate structures involved in hearing.

Is Hearing Loss Common in People with Diabetes?

“Hearing loss is twice as common in people with diabetes,” says Dr. Mejia Osuna. “Even people with prediabetes, which affects 1 in 3 adults in America, have a 30% higher risk of hearing loss than metabolically healthy individuals.” Given these statistics, hearing loss should be regarded as a major yet often overlooked complication of diabetes.

Dr. Mejia Osuna emphasizes the serious impact this complication can have on overall well-being. “Considering these statistics, hearing loss can be considered a major, common, and overlooked complication of diabetes with a high detrimental impact on quality of life,” she adds.

Factors that Increase the Risk of Hearing Loss in People with Diabetes

Dr. Mejia Osuna points out that several factors exacerbate the risk of hearing loss in people with diabetes.

“Hypertension and hyperlipidemia—two common comorbidities—result in small vessel disease, which can affect key auditory organs,” she says.

Additionally, blood sugar fluctuations, particularly low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), have been shown to further disrupt inner ear function by affecting the metabolic processes and nerve signals essential for hearing.

Preventing Diabetes-Related Hearing Loss

“If you have diabetes and want to prevent hearing loss, one of the most important things you can do is keep your blood sugar under control,” advises Dr. Mejia Osuna. “Aiming for an HbA1c level below 7% can significantly lower your risk of complications, including those that affect your hearing.”

She also recommends staying active and maintaining a balanced diet, both critical for managing diabetes. “It’s helpful to avoid big swings in your blood sugar levels, and paying attention to other health issues like high blood pressure or cholesterol can also make a difference in preventing diabetes-related hearing problems,” she says.

Legacy Community Health’s Role in Diabetes Care

Legacy Community Health offers comprehensive healthcare services for individuals with diabetes, including those experiencing complications like hearing loss. With over 50 locations across the Texas Gulf Coast, Legacy provides accessible, quality care to all individuals, regardless of their ability to pay.

As diabetes rates keep rising, especially in Texas, it’s important to recognize and address all of its complications. Dr. Mejia Osuna points out that managing diabetes properly doesn’t just help with well-known issues like heart disease and kidney problems—it also protects your hearing, a sense we often take for granted.

For those living with diabetes, the takeaway is simple: keeping your blood sugar steady, staying on top of other health concerns, and getting regular checkups can make a big difference in preserving your hearing and overall well-being.