If you have a problem with hearing, check your blood sugar

Diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disease. Its complications concern damage to the vessels and to the nerves of the body, which lead to dysfunction of many organs, such as the heart, skin and eyes. Recently, however, it was found to affect her organs. High or low blood sugar levels can damage the nerves that affect hearing. “Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage small blood vessels and nerves in the inner ear. Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) may also harm the way nerve signals transmitted from the inner ear to the brain. Both types of nerve damage can lead to hearing loss , which is twice as common in people with diabetes as in people of the same age who do not suffer”, notes Catherine N. Trikkalin MD, MSc, in Diabetic Leg, Phd (c), Pathologist – Diabetologist, Chief Diabetic Leg Medical Officer at Metropolitan General and continues: “Even individuals with pre-bait (blood sugar levels higher than normal but not high enough to have type 2 diabetes) have a 30% higher hearing loss than those with normal blood sugar levels. Hearing decrease occurs for many reasons: • Age • Genetic factors • Work and/or living in an environment with loud noises • Medicinal treatment Long-term, regular use of painkillers damages hearing. As regular use is described as 2 or more times a week. This is generally a usual dose for people with chronic pain. Taking a lot of aspirin can also cause temporary hearing loss, which can become permanent over time,” he says. ‘The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs containing ibuprofen, acetaminophen and naproxen can also cause damage and especially acetaminophen. Also, from the protected painkillers, damage causes oxycodone, methadone and fentanyl, antibiotics such as aminoglycosides, oncological drugs, quinine, anchovies, such as furosemide, and medicines for tinnitus and anxiety,” explains the expert. Diabetes mellitus Management of blood sugar is a crucial part of diabetes care as it affects the health of vessels and nerves. But there are ways in which you can help prevent hearing loss if you have diabetes. Signs of hearing loss Hearing loss may occur slowly, so it may be difficult to notice. Often, friends and family members will point to your hearing loss before you notice it. The signs of hearing loss include: • Unable to hear the speech of others • Unable to monitor more than one person’s conversation • The feeling that others murmur and do not speak loud • Hearing problems in noisy places, such as crowded restaurants • Difficult hearing of the voices of young children and others with calm voices • Need to increase the intensity of television or radio so that it is considered too loud for others who are nearby. • Problems with the inner ear can also affect balance. “It is known that in patients with diabetes balance is sometimes affected elsewhere. For this reason, when these patients are exercised, they must follow exercise programs and sports without abrupt changes in directions and levels, but which nevertheless exercise the balance and strengthen the muscles,” stresses Mrs. Trikkalinou. How to protect your hearing You cannot reverse hearing loss, but you can protect further damage. Here are some hearing protection tips: • Keep your blood sugar as close as possible to your target levels • Check your hearing every year • Avoid other causes of hearing loss, including loud noises • Ask your doctor if any medicines you are taking may damage your hearing and what other options are available “The loss of hearing can be frustrating for you and your family, affecting your social life. It is vital when diagnosing diabetes and during each annual check, to check your hearing by an otorinolaryngologist. Maintaining your blood sugar within the target limits is necessary for various reasons, including protecting your hearing. In this way, you can improve your overall well-being, feel better and have more energy,” concludes Mrs. Trikkalinou.