About 25 percent of Type 2 diabetics have painful neuropathy even in diabetics with overall proper blood blood sugar management but with intermittent Elevations of their blood sugar. Scientists at Huazhong University of Science and Technology and several other research facilities in China found a link between diabetic neuropathy and hearing loss.
Their study reported on in February of 2018 in the Archives of Medical Research, including one hundred and sixty Type 2 diabetes participants and one hundred nondiabetic individuals ...
- a total of 67.5 percent of the diabetic participants shown some hearing loss.
- about 52 percent of diabetic patients had mild impairment of hearing in the high-frequency range, while
- 80 percent suffered a moderate loss of hearing in both the high and low frequencies.
- 24 percent more likely to suffer hearing loss than the participants who tested normal.
- 38 percent more likely to have hearing loss and those with a low ability to perceive vibration was
- 19 percent more likely.
The Michigan Screening Instrument is performed partly by completing a questionnaire and then going through a certain physical examination. The vibration sensation can be tested with a clutch tuning fork or pager.
The Huazhong study is consistent with other work suggesting hearing loss can be related to Type 2 diabetes.
- Control your blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels are known to damage nerves.
- Avoid smoking. Smoking alone raises the risk of hearing loss and adds to other risk factors.
- Avoid loud noises. Wear ear protection when working in a noisy environment or shooting and keep music levels down to a reasonable level.
- Attain and maintain a healthy lean weight along with taking part in sufficient physical activity.
The Better Hearing Institute recommends anyone diagnosed with type 2 diabetes have an annual check-up. And if mild to moderate hearing loss is found hearing aids are available to make life less stressful.
