Sweet Harmony: Managing Diabetes and Hearing Health


Healthy Aging With Beltone


Diabetes and hearing loss are two conditions that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. Unfortunately, they often occur together, with diabetes exacerbating hearing difficulties. In this blog post, we will discuss:

  • The link between diabetes and hearing health.
  • The impact of diabetes on hearing.
  • How to manage diabetes to maintain good hearing health.
  • How lifestyle changes and hearing aids can help manage diabetes and hearing health.
  • The importance of regular diabetes and hearing health checkups.

The Link Between Diabetes and Hearing Health

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body processes blood sugar. It can lead to a range of complications, including hearing loss. Research has shown that people with diabetes are more likely to experience hearing loss than those without diabetes, likely because high blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels and nerves in the inner ear, which can lead to hearing difficulties.

The Impact of Diabetes on Hearing

Diabetes can have a significant impact on hearing health. High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels and nerves in the inner ear, which can lead to hearing difficulties. In addition, diabetes can also lead to increased risk of infections, including ear infections.

Managing Diabetes to Maintain Good Hearing Health

Managing diabetes is essential to maintaining good hearing health. This may involve making lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and monitoring blood sugar levels. It is also important to communicate with your healthcare provider about your hearing needs and any changes in hearing.

In addition, it is important to manage other health conditions that may impact hearing health, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. These conditions can also damage the blood vessels and nerves in the inner ear, leading to sensorineural hearing loss.

How Lifestyle Changes and Hearing Aids Can Help Manage Diabetes and Hearing Health

Lifestyle changes and hearing aids can play an important role in managing diabetes and hearing health. Lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly, can help manage blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of complications, including hearing loss.

Hearing aids can also help manage hearing difficulties associated with diabetes. Hearing aids can help you hear better in different environments, which can reduce communication difficulties and social isolation. This can lead to increased engagement in activities, which can improve mood and reduce the risk of complications associated with diabetes.

The Importance of Regular Diabetes and Hearing Health Checkups

Regular diabetes and hearing health checkups are essential to maintaining good overall health. It is recommended that adults get their hearing checked once every ten years until the age of 50, and then every three years after that. However, if you are at risk of hearing loss—maybe you work in a noisy environment or have a family history of hearing loss—you should get your hearing checked more frequently.

It is crucial to monitor blood sugar levels and manage diabetes to reduce the risk of complications, including hearing loss. Regular checkups with your healthcare provider can help you manage diabetes and reduce the risk of complications.

In conclusion, diabetes and hearing loss are two conditions that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. Managing diabetes is essential to maintaining good hearing health, and lifestyle changes and hearing aids can play an important role in managing diabetes and hearing health. Regular diabetes and hearing health checks are essential to maintaining good overall health.

Better Hearing and Healthy Aging With Beltone

Beltone is committed to helping our patients live their best lives. Hearing health plays a big part in our overall wellbeing—particularly as we age—which is why we offer free hearing assessments and continue to innovate new hearing aids and hearing accessories that help you hear your best in every situation.

Find your local Beltone and schedule your free hearing assessment today to take the first step toward better hearing and healthy aging.