How diabetes affects the ears

How Diabetes Affects the Ears

1. Hearing Loss

   • High blood sugar can damage the tiny blood vessels and nerves in the inner ear, leading to sensorineural hearing loss.

   • Studies show people with diabetes are twice as likely to have hearing loss compared to those without.

2. Increased Risk of Ear Infections

   • Diabetes can weaken the immune system, making outer and middle ear infections more likely.

   • In rare cases, severe infections like malignant otitis externa (a serious outer ear infection) can occur, especially in older adults with poorly controlled diabetes.

3. Balance Problems

   • The inner ear plays a role in balance, and nerve damage from diabetes (diabetic neuropathy) can affect balance and coordination.

   • Combined with vision issues and foot problems common in diabetes, this increases the risk of falls.

4. Tinnitus

   • High blood sugar and blood pressure can also contribute to ringing or buzzing in the ears.

   
   

   

   
   

Ear Care Tips for People with Diabetes

1. Control Blood Sugar

   • Keeping blood sugar in a healthy range helps protect ear nerves and blood vessels.

2. Routine Hearing Checks

   • Get your hearing tested annually, especially if you notice signs like muffled speech or trouble hearing in noisy places.

3. Avoid Ear Trauma

   • Don't use cotton swabs or sharp objects to clean your ears.

   • Keep ears dry and clean to avoid infections.

4. Watch for Signs of Infection

   • Pain, itching, discharge, or swelling may indicate an infection—get it treated promptly.

5. Manage Other Risk Factors

   • High blood pressure, cholesterol, and smoking can worsen hearing and circulation problems.

6. Balance & Fall Prevention

   • If you feel dizzy or off balance, talk to your doctor .