While physicians may be used to screening their diabetic patients for numerous complications associated with the disease, up until now they ve had few reasons to expect to see hearing loss in these patients. However, in a meta-analysis of 13 studies comprising over 20,000 subjects, and which may be the first to quantify the association between diabetes and hearing loss, Dr. Hirohito Sone, Chika Horikawa, and their associates at the University of Tsukuba Mito Medical Center in Ibaraki, Japan found a strong incidence of co-morbidity.
The researchers, who presented their findings at the annual Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association, looked at studies involving subjects in both Asian and Western countries, comparing the nearly 8,000 patients who had diabetes to the approximately 12,000 who did not. What they found was that progressive hearing impairment (not due to noise or heredity) occurred at double the rate in diabetic patients compared to nondiabetics and the rate tripled in diabetic adults younger than 60. The researchers speculate that neuropathy (nerve damage, a well-known consequence of diabetes) or vascular disease could contribute to such hearing loss. Further research may investigate whether hearing loss in diabetics could be prevented with better control of blood sugar.
ACSH's Dr. Gilbert Ross, impressed with the solid results of the study, agrees that physicians should be aware of this association so that they can be sure to screen their diabetic patients for hearing loss, in addition to the usual screenings for eye, kidney, and vascular problems common to diabetics.
