4 hearing conditions linked to diabetes
The ears play a vital role in helping individuals perceive their surroundings through hearing. Unfortunately, around 15% of adults nationwide experience some form of hearing difficulty. This health condition can arise from various factors like damage to the inner ear, aging, loud noise, and genetic variations. Unbeknownst to many, several studies have associated excessive sugar intake with the onset and deterioration of hearing problems. Some hearing disorders associated with diabetes are listed below. Sensorineural hearing loss Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) results from damage to the auditory nerve, cochlea, or central nervous system. This type of hearing loss is commonly associated with complications resulting from diabetes. Typically, over time, diabetes can damage the tiny blood vessels and nerves present in the inner ear, contributing to the onset of this hearing condition. Sounds seeming excessively loud in one ear, problems with understanding conversations, and difficulty hearing in noisy environments are some early signs of SNHL. Tinnitus Tinnitus refers to persistent ringing in the ears, even without an external source. The condition is more prevalent among individuals with diabetes. Excessive sugar intake can change one’s brain function, posing a challenge for the brain to regulate the activities of the central nervous system. Consequently, one may temporarily experience tinnitus until the brain’s functioning returns to normal levels.