A recent medical study has shown that individuals with type 2 diabetes are more likely than others to face an increased risk of hearing loss.
The journal Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery reported that a study conducted by researchers at the University of Barcelona revealed a strong link between type 2 diabetes and an elevated risk of hearing impairment. The findings indicated that the risk of hearing loss among people with diabetes is four times higher than that of healthy individuals.
اضافة اعلان
Researchers analyzed data from 17 previous studies involving nearly 8,000 participants and found that hearing impairment affects between 40% and 70% of patients with type 2 diabetes. The most noticeable deviations were in high-frequency hearing, where hearing thresholds among diabetic participants were worse by 3.2 decibels compared to healthy individuals.
The study also found that the risk of hearing loss increases with the duration of diabetes (more than 10 years) and with higher levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), suggesting a relationship between poor glycemic control and hearing impairment.
Researchers explain this phenomenon by noting that chronic high blood sugar levels cause changes in the small blood vessels of the inner ear, affecting the thickness of the basilar membrane and the blood supply to the cochlea. This leads to gradual vascular atrophy and dysfunction of auditory receptors, resulting in progressive and irreversible hearing loss.
The study’s authors believe that deteriorating hearing may be an early indicator of vascular complications related to diabetes. They therefore recommend including hearing tests as part of the routine medical assessments for diabetic patients, noting that early diagnosis not only helps preserve hearing but can also reveal hidden complications of the disease.
Lenta.ru
