When diagnosing diabetes, doctors normally look out for these telltale signs: blurred vision, frequent urination, and fatigue.
But experts are now sharing the other hidden signs. Listen closely because this involves your ears.
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Hearing loss is a natural part of life as you get older.
But if you have undiagnosed diabetes, you may start to experience the signs earlier in life.
Research has found that people with diabetes have double the risk of hearing loss.
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects more than 38.4 million Americans. It occurs when your blood sugar (glucose) is too high.
There are two types: type 1 and type 2.
Type 1 is a lifelong condition in which the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin, leading to high glucose levels. Type 2 is often the result of food and lifestyle choices, such as eating too much sugar and carbohydrates and being overweight.
Unlike type 1, type 2 can be prevented and reversed.
According to the CDC, diabetes causes hearing loss from nerve damage.
Elevated levels of blood sugar (glucose) can damage the small blood vessels and nerves in the ear over time.
Since the changes in hearing are subtle, many people may not notice any issues before it’s too late.
“Loss of hearing can often be difficult to detect as it tends to happen gradually but if you’re having trouble following conversations and find you’re turning the volume up on your devices – it may be down to a deterioration to your hearing,” Rob Ormerod, an audiologist at Bayfields Opticians and Audiologists, told the DailyMail.
Frequent ear infections are another potential sign of diabetes.
“Diabetics are more prone to picking up ear infections,” Ormerod explained. “This is caused by reduced blood flow to your ears which can in turn reduce the strength of your immune system and ability to fight off infections.”
Preventing ear infections is a matter of basic ear care.
This includes not using Q-Tips in your ears and using earplugs in loud areas and while swimming.
Tinnitus, a condition that causes unexplained ringing or buzzing in your ear, could also point to diabetes.
”The inner ear, or cochlea, relies on oxygen and blood glucose to function effectively,” Ormerod said.
He added: “With diabetes having a direct impact on glucose levels in the blood due to abnormal insulin levels, this can have an effect on the cochlea and result in tinnitus.”
If you’re still getting ear infections after taking preventative measures or noticing hearing loss or tinnitus, it’s recommended that you visit a healthcare provider to rule out diabetes.
