The Facts
- Nearly 35 million Americans have some form of hearing loss.
- Hearing loss is twice as common in people with diabetes than people without.
- 86 million adults in the U.S. have prediabetes, within those people the rate of hearing loss is 30% higher than people with target blood glucose levels.
A Possible Theory Linking Diabetes to Hearing Loss
The American Diabetes Association does not know how hearing loss is linked to diabetes. But they suggest that high blood glucose levels, which is associated with diabetes, damages the small blood vessels in the inner ear. This is similar to how diabetes can affect the eyes and kidneys. Although, more research must be done to determine, for certain, how diabetes affects hearing loss.
Additional Information
To learn more about hearing loss and diabetes click here.