Chances are, a hearing exam isn’t on your healthcare checklist if you have diabetes. It should be. Research shows that people with diabetes are about twice as likely to develop hearing loss. To understand why we have to understand a little about how hearing works. The brain hears when tiny little hairs in your inner ear bend and create a signal that is sent up to the brain through your auditory nerve. Like everything else in your body, these hair cells and the nerves carrying the information to the brain need oxygen and other nutrients delivered to them by blood vessels. Researchers theorize that over time high blood glucose levels can damage these blood vessels and nerves, diminishing the ability to hear. That means it’s especially important to protect your hearing if you have diabetes.
For American Diabetes Month in November and World Diabetes Day on November 14, the Better Hearing Institute has issued five habits for healthier hearing for people with diabetes. *
1. Get a thorough hearing exam every year and watch for signs of hearing loss. You do it for your eyes. Now do it for your ears. See a hearing healthcare professional every year for a thorough hearing examination. If you notice a change in your ability to hear under certain conditions – like at a restaurant or on a conference call – go sooner. And be sure to share the information with your primary care physician and endocrinologist.
2. Use hearing aids, if recommended. Hearing aid technology has advanced radically in recent years. While hearing loss is not reversible, today’s hearing aids can dramatically enhance your ability to hear and engage with others, which can make a tremendous difference in your overall quality of life. Many hearing aids are virtually invisible, sitting discreetly and comfortably inside the ear canal. They adjust to all kinds of noise environments and pick up sound from all directions. Best of all, they’re wireless. Today’s hearing aids can stream sound directly from your smartphone, home entertainment system, and other electronics directly into the hearing aid itself-at volumes just right for you. Some are even waterproof.
3. Keep your blood sugar under control. Just as your heart, eye, and nerve health are affected by your blood sugar levels, your hearing health may be as well. Work with your doctor to monitor your blood sugar and take appropriate medicines as prescribed.
4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Even for people without diabetes, a healthy lifestyle benefits hearing health. Not smoking, exercising, and maintaining a healthy diet all support your ability to hear. In fact, studies show that smoking and obesity increase the risk of hearing loss, while regular physical activity helps protect against it.
5. Use ear protection. Everyone is at risk of noise-induced hearing loss. But using ear protection is one of the best-and simplest-things you can do to preserve your hearing. Carry disposable earplugs with you, especially when you know you’ll be somewhere noisy. Use appropriate ear protection in loud work environments. Keep the volume on smartphones and other electronics low. Limit your use of headphones and earbuds. And get in the habit of quickly plugging your ears with your fingers and walking away if a loud noise takes you by surprise. Most of all, limit your time in noisy environments.
At Advanced Specialty Care, we have a dedicated team of audiologists who will work with you. Through diagnostic testing and conversations with you, one of our audiologists will not only determine what your hearing abilities are, but will work with you towards solutions for better hearing and communication. To take the first step and schedule a hearing exam, call (203) 830-4700 today. Our offices are located in Fairfield County, CT in Danbury, New Milford, Norwalk, and Ridgefield.
*Better Hearing Institute, www.BetterHearing.org