Listen up: There's yet another test to add to the list of health checks and screens for your parent with type 2 diabetes. Turns out that hearing loss may be an under-recognized complication of diabetes.
A recent NIH study found that hearing impairment is almost twice as common in adults with diabetes compared with the general population -- and diabetes appears to be a risk factor for the condition, independent of exposure to noise, certain medications, or other known potential hearing loss triggers.
Of course, hearing impairment and old age tend to go together, but a strong connection between diabetes and trouble hearing has only been hinted at until now. Researchers speculate that diabetes may lead to hearing loss by damaging the nerves and blood vessels of the inner ear.
So, when your parent goes for a doctor's visit and gets screened for the usual suspects -- foot problems, high blood pressure, and blood sugar -- make sure she gets checked for some of the lesser known diabetes-linked ailments, such as depression, sleep apnea, gum disease -- and get those ears checked too.
Do you hear me loud and clear?
Image by Flickr user altemark used under the Creative Commons attribution license.
Hello All - My father not only suffers from Diabetes, but also an inner ear injury as a result of concrete dust setting up in his inner ear. Needless to say, his hearing has been greatly affected by both. The biggest frustration for him has been talking on the phone. Face to face, he is able to at least "fake" hearing what others are saying through lip reading and inflection. On the phone, that's not going to work. We searched high and low for a phone that would amplify conversations to the point where he could communicate. Many of these devices are just too complicated and in his words "fancy" for older adults. We tried several models,and finally found one that we have/he has really worked. It's called ClearSounds A50 Expandable. http://www.enablemart.com/Catalog/Cordless-Amplified-Phones/ClearSounds-A50-Expandable-Cordless. It's cordless, has a smaller base, rings REALLY loudly, and even has attachments like a bed shaker that will work along side (hopefully, we won't need those for awhile). He likes that it's a simple to use product that works really well. This device has made a difference in his life. He can continue to work, talk to his out of town friends, etc..... I am thankful that technology is keeping up with our aging parents. What once was a struggle is becoming easier for them and us as caregivers.