[acb-diabetics] Diabetes can cause hearing loss

Thu May 10 21:56:55 EDT 2012

Diabetes and Hearing Loss

 <javascript:doPrinterFriendly()> 

<http://app.readspeaker.com/cgi-bin/rsent?customerid=5484&lang=en_us&readid=
read_this&url=http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/seniors/hearing-l
oss/> Listen to this page using ReadSpeaker

Diabetes and hearing loss are two of America's most widespread health
concerns. Nearly 26 million people in the U.S. have diabetes, and an
estimated 34.5 million have some type of hearing loss.

The numbers are similar - is there a link?

Yes, says the National Institute of Health (NIH). In fact, the NIH has found
that hearing loss is twice as common in people with diabetes as it is in
those who don't have the disease. Also, of the 79 million adults thought to
have pre-diabetes, the rate of hearing loss is 30% higher than in those with
normal blood sugar.

Hearing Loss & Diabetes PSA Launched

In conjunction with Better Speech and Hearing Month, Sonus, a national
strategic partner of the American Diabetes Association, has launched a PSA
initiative to inform individuals of the link between hearing loss and
diabetes.

How does diabetes contribute to hearing loss?

Hearing depends on small blood vessels and nerves in the inner ear.
Researchers believe that, over time, high blood glucose levels can damage
these vessels and nerves, diminishing the ability to hear.

I don't think I have any problem with my hearing.

Are you sure? For most people, hearing loss happens over time. The symptoms
can be hard to notice. Quite often, family members and friends notice
hearing loss before the person experiencing it.

Your doctor may not always screen for hearing loss during a physical. Even
if your doctor does check for hearing loss, you may still "pass" the
screening test in a quiet exam room. Common signs of hearing loss include:

*	Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
*	Trouble following conversations that involve more than two people
*	Thinking that others are mumbling
*	Problems hearing in noisy places such as busy restaurants
*	Trouble hearing the voices of women and small children
*	Turning up the TV or radio volume too loud for others who are nearby

I'm not even 65 - how could my hearing be bad already?

Most people with hearing loss are younger than 65. Hearing problems can even
happen in children.

Hearing Loss - Pie Chart 300x256

What should I do if I suspect a hearing loss?

Talk to your primary care doctor. You may then want to seek help from
hearing specialist like: an audiologist, a licensed hearing aid dispenser or
a doctor who specializes in hearing problems. From a full hearing exam,
you'll learn more about your hearing loss. You will also be told what can be
done to treat it.

What can be done to treat a hearing loss?

Sometimes the problem is just an earwax build-up and the patient is referred
to a doctor to remove the wax. Treatment will depend on the type of hearing
loss. The most common type of hearing loss is called "sensorineural hearing
loss," This is the kind usually found with diabetes. It cannot usually be
cured. However, most cases of sensorineural hearing loss can be treated with
hearing aids.

How can I be sure that hearing aids will help?

Hearing aids have changed a lot in the past few years. Instead of making all
sounds louder, like the old kind, newer hearing aids are better at making
what you want to hear more clear. These hearing aids also have special
features. They may have automatic volume control and can reduce background
noise.

But I don't want to be seen wearing hearing aids.

Hearing aids are getting smaller and smaller. It is unlikely anyone will
notice when you are wearing them. The truth is, people are more likely to
notice your hearing loss. People who don't treat their hearing problems can
become depressed and try to avoid their friends. On the other hand, studies
show that people who wear hearing aids often have a better quality of life.

This page is supported by:

<http://www.hearpo.com/ADA/?utm_source=WWW&utm_medium=ContentPage&utm_conten
t=HearingLoss&utm_campaign=CON> Hearing Loss 165x46

 <http://www.miracle-ear.com/centersearch.aspx> Miracle Ear Logo (updated)

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://www.acb.org/pipermail/acb-diabetics/attachments/20120510/70643790/attachment-0001.html>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image001.gif
Type: application/octet-stream
Size: 577 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://www.acb.org/pipermail/acb-diabetics/attachments/20120510/70643790/attachment-0006.obj>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image002.jpg
Type: application/octet-stream
Size: 430 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://www.acb.org/pipermail/acb-diabetics/attachments/20120510/70643790/attachment-0007.obj>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image003.gif
Type: application/octet-stream
Size: 310 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://www.acb.org/pipermail/acb-diabetics/attachments/20120510/70643790/attachment-0008.obj>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image004.jpg
Type: application/octet-stream
Size: 32595 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://www.acb.org/pipermail/acb-diabetics/attachments/20120510/70643790/attachment-0009.obj>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image005.jpg
Type: application/octet-stream
Size: 10473 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://www.acb.org/pipermail/acb-diabetics/attachments/20120510/70643790/attachment-0010.obj>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image006.jpg
Type: application/octet-stream
Size: 18478 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://www.acb.org/pipermail/acb-diabetics/attachments/20120510/70643790/attachment-0011.obj>