Its complications concern damage to the vessels and nerves of the body, which lead to dysfunction of many organs, such as the heart, skin and eyes. Recently, however, it has been found that it also affects the organs of hearing. In particular, high or low blood sugar levels can damage the nerves that affect hearing.

“Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage small blood vessels and nerves in the inner ear. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) also can damage the way nerve signals are transmitted from the inner ear to the brain. Both types of nerve damage can lead to hearing loss, which is twice as common in people with diabetes as in people of the same age who do not have the disease,” points out Mrs. Aikaterini N. Trikkalinou MD, Msc, in Diabetic Foot, Phd (c), Pathologist – Diabetologist, Head of Diabetic Foot Clinic at Metropolitan General and continues:

“Even people with prediabetes (blood sugar levels higher than normal but not high enough to have type 2 diabetes) have a 30% higher rate of hearing loss than people with normal blood sugar levels.

Hearing loss occurs for many reasons:

• Age
• Genetic factors
• Working and/or living in an environment with loud noises
• Medication

Long-term, regular use of painkillers damages hearing. Regular use is defined as 2 or more times a week. Generally this is a common dosage for people with chronic pain. “Taking too much aspirin can also cause temporary hearing loss, which can become permanent over time,” he says.

“Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs containing ibuprofen, acetaminophen and naproxen can also cause harm, especially acetaminophen.
Also, from the protected painkillers, harm is caused by oxycodone, methadone and fentanyl, antibiotics such as aminoglycosides, oncological drugs, quinine, loop diuretics, such as furosemide, but also drugs for tinnitus and anxiety”, explains the expert.

Diabetes

Blood sugar management is a critical part of diabetes care as it affects vascular as well as nerve health. But there are ways you can help prevent hearing loss if you have diabetes.

Signs of hearing loss

Hearing loss can happen slowly, so it can be hard to notice. Often, friends and family members will point out your hearing loss before you notice it.

Signs of hearing loss include:

• Inability to hear the speech of others
• Inability to follow a conversation of more than one person
• The feeling that others mumble and do not speak out loud
• Hearing problems in noisy places, such as busy restaurants
• Difficulty hearing the voices of small children and others with quiet voices
• Needing to turn up the volume of the television or radio so that it is considered too loud for others nearby.
• Problems with the inner ear can also affect balance.

“It is known that in patients with diabetes, balance is sometimes affected to a different degree. For this reason, when these patients exercise, they must follow exercise programs and sports without sudden changes of directions and levels) but which nevertheless exercise balance and strengthen the muscles”, emphasizes Ms. Trikkalinou.

How to protect your hearing

You can’t reverse hearing loss, but you can prevent further damage. Here are some hearing protection tips:

• Keep your blood sugar as close to your target levels as possible
• Get your hearing checked every year
• Avoid other causes of hearing loss, including loud noises
• Ask your doctor if any medications you are taking can damage your hearing and what other options are available

“Hearing loss can be frustrating for you and your family, affecting your social life. It is vital when you are diagnosed with diabetes and during each annual check-up to have your hearing checked by an otolaryngologist.

Keeping your blood sugar within target ranges is essential for a number of reasons, including protecting your hearing. In this way, you can improve your overall well-being, feel better and have more energy,” concludes Ms. Trikkalinou.