Hearing loss in diabetes

Hearing loss in diabetes is a form of hearing impairment resulting from type 2 diabetes mellitus.[1] Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with various microvascular and macrovascular complications. Microvascular complications include diabetic retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy, while macrovascular complications involve cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, and coronary heart disease.[2] T2DM also affects other systems such as the hepatic and digestive systems, musculoskeletal system, and can impact mental health and cognitive functioning. These complications significantly contribute to the disease's overall burden. The rising prevalence of T2DM is expected to increase the number of individuals experiencing these complications. Additionally, similar pathophysiological mechanisms may lead to damage in the neural system or vasculature of the inner ear, resulting in hearing impairment. Numerous population-based studies have demonstrated a significant association between T2DM and hearing loss, particularly sensorineural hearing loss,[3][4] which tends to worsen as T2DM progresses.

The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a baseline hearing evaluation upon diagnosis of diabetes and a complete audiological evaluation every two years following that. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the World Health Organization's Guidelines on Integrated Care for Older People recommend screening and provision of amplification among older adults.

Among these complications, sensorineural hearing loss is significant, with its severity correlating with T2DM progression. Hearing loss impacts quality of life, causing economic and emotional strain. It is an independent risk factor for dementia, cognitive decline, social withdrawal, anxiety, depression, and physical decline, especially in older adults. Both T2DM and hearing loss independently increase dementia risk. Among patients with diabetes, age, nephropathy, and neuropathy[5] were associated with hearing loss.[citation needed]

Identifying high-risk individuals for complications like hearing loss can enable early diagnosis and intervention. This article explores the association between hearing loss and diabetes and discusses screening guidelines and tools for diabetic patients.

  1. ^ Abraham, Abin M; Jacob, Jubbin Jagan; Varghese, Ashish (2023-09-28). "Should We Screen Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus for Hearing Loss?". Aging Medicine and Healthcare. 14 (3): 102–113. doi:10.33879/AMH.143.2022.01008.
  2. ^ Gregg, Edward W; Sattar, Naveed; Ali, Mohammed K (June 2016). "The changing face of diabetes complications". The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. 4 (6): 537–547. doi:10.1016/S2213-8587(16)30010-9. PMID 27156051.
  3. ^ Kim, Min-Beom; Zhang, Yiyi; Chang, Yoosoo; Ryu, Seungho; Choi, Yuni; Kwon, Min-Jung; Moon, Il Joon; Deal, Jennifer A; Lin, Frank R; Guallar, Eliseo; Chung, Eun Chul; Hong, Sung Hwa; Ban, Jae Ho; Shin, Hocheol; Cho, Juhee (2017-04-01). "Diabetes mellitus and the incidence of hearing loss: a cohort study". International Journal of Epidemiology. 46 (2): 717–726. doi:10.1093/ije/dyw243. ISSN 0300-5771. PMC 6251644. PMID 27818377.
  4. ^ Helzner, Elizabeth Purchase; Contrera, Kevin J. (January 2016). "Type 2 Diabetes and Hearing Impairment". Current Diabetes Reports. 16 (1): 3. doi:10.1007/s11892-015-0696-0. ISSN 1534-4827. PMID 26699766.
  5. ^ Abraham, Abin M; Jacob, Jubbin Jagan; Varghese, Ashish (2023-06-07). "Prevalence of Hearing Loss in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Its Association with Severity of Diabetic Neuropathy and Glycemic Control" (PDF). Journal of the Association of Physicians of India. 71 (06): 14–19. doi:10.5005/japi-11001-0270.