The Link between Diabetes and Hearing Loss

Posted: 12/13/2016 7:52 AM by Interim HealthCare
When you think of diabetes, you probably do not think of hearing loss as being a complication of the condition. However, that is actually something that some people with diabetes develop.
 
 If you are concerned that this is a problem your loved one is going through, here are some of the most common signs of hearing loss to watch for:
 
  • Trouble hearing someone who speaks in a whisper.
  • The elder gets in more arguments when having a conversation, which is normally triggered out of frustration for not being able to hear the other person.
  • They are withdrawn from social events.
  • Have trouble ordering meals at a restaurant.
 
A study was conducted at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, where women over the age of 60 were the subjects being studied. They discovered that hearing loss was worse in women with type 1 and 2 diabetes compared to women without diabetes. If your loved has not yet shown any symptoms of hearing loss, here are a few things that can be done with the help of a home care provider to prevent it from happening.
  • Control blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels become too high, the elder is at risk for losing their hearing. However, by controlling blood sugar, there will be less of a chance that damage will be done to their hearing. This can be done by taking medications, eating a healthy diet, and controlling how much food they eat.
  • Live a healthy lifestyle. Exercising regularly, eating the right foods, and getting plenty of rest are essential in order to keep the body of a diabetic healthy. This is also necessary to keeping your loved one's hearing in good condition.
  • Get regular checkups. Setting up annual checkups with an audiologist could save your senior loved one from suffering from irreversible hearing loss. If they do notice a problem with their hearing, they may be able to stop it from getting worse.
 
Hearing loss does not mean the elder will no longer be able to hear. It just means they will need a device to help them. Hearing aids these days are very discrete and only visible to those who know they are wearing it. Plus, it will allow your loved one to continue participating in conversations and enjoying their favorite activities once again.
 
If your loved one lives alone, an in-home care provider can be hired to take care of your loved one and to encourage them to make healthy choices. These choices will help the elder manage their diabetes in order to prevent further complications and keep them healthy for years to come.

More information about diabetes care.