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Dr. Emily E McMahan
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Diabetes is a disorder that prevents the body from utilizing insulin to maintain blood glucose levels.
Ranging from mild to life-threatening, it has many side effects, including fatigue, nerve damage, and even vision impairment. But what about ear health?
Unfortunately, at this moment in time, little awareness has been spread to inform sufferers of the risks involved, with many experiencing the drastic side effects firsthand.
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So, How Can Diabetes Harm Your Ears?
Firstly, diabetes damages small blood vessels in your inner ear and vestibular system, which is part of the inner ear that helps with balance. This is thought to be due to nerve damage in your ears.
As it affects these nerves in your ears, it also makes it harder for signals related to your hearing and balance to get to your brain, leading to hearing loss.
You are also more likely to fall if you have diabetes because of the damage to your vestibular system.
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If you think you may be at risk of balance issues, here are some of the signs to look out for:
Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
Constant feeling of your head spinning
Falling or feeling like you may fall over
Tips To Keep Your Ears Healthy
If you suffer from diabetes and you are worried about how it may affect your hearing, first and foremost, you should make an appointment with a healthcare provider who can approach your needs with the professionalism required.
Along with your appointment, bring a list of your medicines and any history of illness or hospitalizations.
From there, your audiologist will check your history and test results to help you manage and prevent any future ear problems.
Alongside educating you on your hearing loss and the likelihood of deterioration, they will encourage ways to protect your hearing and balance.
This includes wearing ear protection, avoiding cotton swabs, and eating a healthy diet to maintain your natural ear health.
Prioritizing The Hearing Health Of Alaska
While diabetes is a chronic condition, there are ways to manage the side effects and reduce the risk of hearing loss.
The first step is by scheduling a hearing assessment with a member of our team to understand more about your level of hearing and your individual requirements.
It will start with a friendly conversation about your work, hobbies, and lifestyle, as well as a case history looking into your background.
As Alaska’s most recognized leading healthcare provider, our experts are backed by many years of experience and knowledge. When you choose to partner with us, we don’t just see you as patients, but we also see you as friends for life and we will approach your needs with a level of professionalism and sensitivity.
We believe that no one should deserve to live a life they can’t hear, especially if it could’ve easily been prevented. To find out how we can help you, call us at (907) 522-4357 or request a callback by clicking here.
