"What?" -- Hearing Loss Common in Diabetes

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"What?" — Hearing Loss Common in Diabetes

Diabetes is an independent risk factor for hearing loss, according to an Annals of Internal Medicine report posted online.

Researchers analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey collected from 1999 to 2004. They limited their analysis to some 5100 adults who underwent audiometric testing and answered a questionnaire on diabetes. The researchers found age-adjusted hearing loss at all frequency ranges to be more prevalent among subjects who reported having diabetes.

The authors estimate a 21% prevalence of low- or mid-frequency hearing loss among diabetics (vs. 9% in nondiabetics), and they speculate that changes to the microvasculature commonly found in diabetes may be to blame.

An editorialist suggests that performing audiometry and arranging for hearing aids "can improve an individual's productivity and quality of life."

LINK(S):

Annals of Internal Medicine article (Free)

Annals of Internal Medicine editorial (Free)

Published in Physician's First Watch June 17, 2008

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