Diabetes, Your Ears & Your Hearing - A Guide

Recent studies have shown that sufferers of diabetes are doubly as likely to experience hearing loss. This article is for anyone who has diabetes or is worried about diabetes, and the potential issues with your hearing and ear health that can arise.

Read on to find out how diabetes can affect your hearing, whether it is treatable, and most importantly how you can protect your ears.

Can diabetes cause issues with your ears?

Yes, diabetes can cause issues with your ears. Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way the body processes glucose. To explain how diabetes affects the ears we must first understand how diabetes affects the body and the two different types a person can be diagnosed with: type 1 and type 2.

What is Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce insulin or does not produce enough insulin. Type 1 is typically diagnosed during childhood and is often inherited.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body produces enough insulin but is not able to use it effectively. Type 2 tends to develop during adulthood and is often the result of lifestyle choices (obesity, diet) but can also develop due to age. Both types of diabetes can cause complications within the body which include: a weakened immune system, hypertension (high blood pressure), issues with vision, heart and kidney problems, and damage to cells and nerves around the body.

How does Diabetes affect hearing and your ears?

Problems with hearing often arise from symptoms associated with damage to blood vessels, weakened immune systems, and hypertension. Sufferers of diabetes have fluctuations of blood sugar (glucose) levels.

When lacking in insulin in the body blood glucose levels will be high as cells in the body cannot receive sugar from the blood. When the body has a high blood sugar level for a prolonged period circulation is affected, which then affects the amount of blood and oxygen flowing to the small blood vessels and nerves in the ear. This can cause damage to hair cells in the ear that are responsible for transmitting signals to the brain which we interpret as sound.

Hypertension can also impact our auditory system. When an individual has high blood pressure, blood flows around the body much faster than usual which can damage blood vessels. Finally, those with diabetes tend to have weakened immune systems, meaning they are more likely to contract infections. If untreated, ear infections can cause permanent damage to our ears and thus impact our hearing.

What issues can Diabetes cause with ears and hearing?

Read on below for the most common ear related issues reported by those suffering from diabetes.

Tinnitus (Ringing of the Ears)

The inner ear lacks an energy reserve, so it relies on a constant blood supply rich in oxygen and glucose to function properly. If a blood vessel is compromised or there is a sudden fluctuation in oxygen or blood sugar levels, the auditory nerve, which sends sound information to the brain, can malfunction.

Tinnitus can occur when the auditory nerve doesn’t receive a consistent supply of necessary nutrients. Over time, persistent imbalances in blood sugar can cause irreversible damage to the nerve, leading to permanent hearing loss.

Symptoms of Tinnitus can include a ringing in the ears, whooshing or roaring sounds, hissing in the ear, and the loss of ability to hear higher frequencies. If you experience any symptoms of tinnitus lasting for a prolonged period or tinnitus that beats in time with your pulse, contact a GP.

Ear Infections

Individuals suffering from diabetes are more likely to contract infections as they have a weakened immune system. Having a higher blood sugar level can aid in the growth of bacteria and lead to an ear infection. Ear infections can start in the inner, middle, or outer ear. Symptoms of an ear infection include pain, fever, vomiting, fatigue, discharge from the ear, itching or irritation in the ear, and pressure within the ear. If experiencing an ear infection, it is recommended to see a pharmacist or GP if your ear infection doesn’t begin to get better within 3 days.

Blocked Ears

Diabetes can cause alterations in the skin and mucous membranes, making them drier and more susceptible to blockages. People with diabetes often experience more earwax build-up, which can obstruct the ear canal and impair hearing. Furthermore, high blood sugar levels can lead to fluid retention and inflammation, contributing to the sensation of blocked ears.

Symptoms of earwax blockage include hearing loss, pain and a feeling of fullness within the ear. If experiencing earwax blockage there are some home remedies for removing the blockage, however the safest and most effective way is Micro-suction.

Hearing Loss

Prolonged high blood sugar levels can harm the tiny blood vessels and nerves in the inner ear, causing hearing loss. This damage disrupts the transmission of nerve signals from the inner ear to the brain, leading to sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Additionally, diabetes can alter blood flow and oxygen delivery to the cochlea, further exacerbating hearing issues.

Is ear damage from Diabetes reversible or treatable?

Ear damage caused by diabetes is not typically reversible. Once the nerves in the inner ear are damaged due to high glucose levels sensorineural hearing loss often occurs, this hearing loss cannot be reversed. Unfortunately, the same is true for blood vessel damage, this damage is permanent and negatively impacts the ear’s ability to receive adequate blood flow and nutrients. However, there are treatments available to manage and mitigate the effects diabetes has on our hearing and ear health.

See our list below to find out how you can treat symptoms.

Hearing Aids

A hearing aid is a small electronic device worn behind the ear or in the ear. A hearing aid amplifies some sounds for the wearer. A hearing aid comprises of three main parts: a microphone, an amplifier, and a speaker. Sound is received to the hearing aid via the microphone which converts sound waves to electrical signals and sends them to the amplifier. The amplifier increases the power of the signals and sends them to the ear via the speaker. Hearing aids can be worn in one or both ears and whilst they do not restore your hearing, they can increase your awareness of sound. Hearing aids have also been proven to reduce tinnitus symptoms in their wearers. If you are interested in trying hearing aids, contact your doctor or hearing clinic to find out more.

Cochlear Implants

Cochlear implants are designed for people with severe hearing loss or damage to the inner ear. They work by bypassing damaged hair cells within the inner ear and directly stimulating the auditory nerve. This allows the wearer to hear sounds that would otherwise have been inaudible to them. Cochlear implants are surgically implanted, they consist of two parts an internal implant and an external processor. The external processor processes sound waves and sends them to the internal implant which in turn sends an electrical signal to the auditory nerve. If interested in Cochlear implants contact your GP.

Micro-suction

For those experiencing earwax blockage as a symptom of their diabetes, micro-suction can help alleviate any earwax-related hearing loss. Micro-suction is performed by a professional and is regarded as one of the safest and most comfortable ways to relieve discomfort associated with earwax blockage.  The procedure uses a microscope and a gentle suction device to remove any excess earwax blocking the ear canal safely. Unlike irrigation, no water or liquids are used during the process. This reduces the likelihood of ear infections occurring and makes it safe for those with a perforated eardrum. If you have any concerns, contact Ear View today for a consultation and find out how we can help you relieve any discomfort you are experiencing.

How can I protect my ears if I have Diabetes?

The best way to protect your ears is to prevent any further damage to the nerves and small blood vessels within the ear. The main way to achieve this is to regulate your blood glucose levels effectively. See below for some tips on how to maintain stable blood sugar levels and protect your ears.

Medication

Individuals with diabetes will be prescribed medication to regulate their blood sugar levels. By taking this medication regularly and correctly, you will be able to control blood glucose levels and reduce any further damage to the ears.

Maintain a healthy weight

Ensuring you are at a healthy weight aids the regulation of blood sugar levels, thus reducing the risk of any nerve or cell damage within the inner ear.

Eat a balanced diet

Diets rich in nutrients will support one’s overall health which in turn will maintain stable blood sugar levels, this will help prevent any further damage occurring. See our guide on ears and your diet here for tips.

Regular physical exercise

Being active and engaging in regular physical exercise will improve blood circulation.

Quit Smoking

Much like diabetes, smoking also damages blood vessels and reduces blood flow to the inner ear. Quitting smoking can improve your circulation and reduce the risk of hearing loss.

Regular Check-ups

Regular check-ups will help you monitor and manage your blood glucose levels, allowing for treatment and/or early detection of any complications that may arise (including those which can impact your hearing).

Managing your diabetes effectively is paramount for your overall ear health and hearing. By implementing the tips outlined in this article, you can reduce the risk of ear-related complications and better manage any symptoms you may experience.

If you are dealing with severe hearing loss, we strongly recommend consulting a professional or your GP. For those experiencing diabetes-related earwax blockages or discomfort, we are here to assist you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us—we’d be happy to provide help and advice tailored to your needs.