November is American Diabetes Month, an opportunity to raise awareness by educating the public about diabetes. At RestorEar, that means highlighting the relationship between diabetes and hearing health.

Hearing health isn’t just related to the auditory and vestibular systems. It relates to a variety of health conditions, including diabetes. According to a recently published study in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, people with type 2 diabetes have 4.19 the odds of having hearing loss compared to individuals without diabetes. Although the exact mechanisms of this relationship are still being studied, scientists believe that long-term changes to blood vessels and nerves caused by high blood sugar may play a key role. Understanding this link is key to helping individuals with diabetes protect their hearing and their overall health.

How Diabetes Affects Hearing

Damage to Blood Vessels and Nerves

Diabetes can damage small blood vessels and nerves throughout the body, including those in the inner ear. The delicate hair cells inside the inner ear rely on a steady blood supply to convert sound waves into nerve signals. When circulation is impaired, these hair cells may become damaged or die, leading to sensorineural hearing loss.

Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

High blood glucose levels can trigger inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which contribute to cellular damage in the auditory system. Over time, this may make it harder for the ears and brain to process sound effectively.

Peripheral Neuropathy and Auditory Pathways

The same type of nerve damage that causes tingling or numbness in the hands and feet can also affect the auditory nerve, disrupting how sound signals travel from the inner ear to the brain.

Signs of Possible Hearing Changes

Like all hearing loss, hearing loss related to diabetes has some early signs to watch out for. These include:

• Frequently asking others to repeat themselves

• Turning up the TV or phone volume

• Difficulty hearing in noisy environments

• Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)

• Feeling that others “mumble”

If these symptoms appear, a professional hearing evaluation is recommended. Early detection allows for timely intervention and helps prevent social isolation, cognitive strain, and reduced quality of life.

Protecting Hearing Health with Diabetes

Keep Blood Sugar in Check

Stable blood glucose levels help protect small blood vessels and nerves in the ear.

Schedule Regular Hearing Tests

Include a hearing screening as part of your routine diabetes care. Audiologists can track changes over time and recommend treatment when needed.

Avoid Excess Noise Exposure

People with diabetes may be more vulnerable to noise-induced hearing loss, so limit exposure to loud environments and use hearing protection when necessary.

Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle

Exercise, balanced nutrition, and avoiding smoking all support better circulation and nerve health, which benefit hearing as well as diabetes management.

Stay Connected with Your Care Team

Coordination between primary care providers, endocrinologists, and audiologists ensures that hearing concerns are not overlooked.

Hearing loss may not be the first complication that comes to mind when thinking about diabetes, but the connection is clear. By managing blood sugar, avoiding excessive noise, and getting regular hearing checkups, people with diabetes can protect one of their most important senses.

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