Diabetes and Hearing Loss: What You Need to Know
11 June 2025
Table of Contents
Introduction - Diabetes & Hearing Loss
Did you know that diabetes affects more than just your blood sugar levels? Research reveals a strong connection between diabetes and hearing loss, yet many people remain unaware of this critical health link.
At Revive Hearing, Tasmania’s trusted hearing care specialists, we believe in empowering our community with knowledge to protect their hearing health. In this article, we’ll explore how diabetes impacts hearing, early warning signs, and proactive steps to prevent long-term damage.
The Link Between Diabetes and Hearing Loss
Studies show that people with diabetes are twice as likely to experience hearing loss compared to those without the condition. But why does this happen?
How Diabetes Affects Hearing
- High blood sugar levels can damage the delicate blood vessels and nerves in the inner ear, similar to how diabetes affects the eyes (retinopathy), kidneys (nephropathy), and nerves (neuropathy). Over time, this damage can lead to sensorineural hearing loss—a gradual decline in hearing ability that often goes unnoticed until it starts affecting daily communication.
⚠️ Key Risk Factors
- Poor blood sugar control (consistent high glucose levels)
- Duration of diabetes (long-term diabetes increases risk)
- Age (hearing loss risk rises with age, but diabetes accelerates it)
- Hypertension & cardiovascular disease (common in diabetics, further impacting ear health)
⚠️ Early Signs of Hearing Loss in Diabetics
- Hearing loss often develops slowly, making it easy to overlook. If you have diabetes, watch for these early warning signs:
- Struggling to follow conversations in noisy places (e.g., restaurants)
- Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
- Turning up the TV or phone volume louder than usual
- Feeling like people are mumbling when they speak
- Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears)
- If you notice these symptoms, it’s time for a professional hearing assessment.
How to Protect Your Hearing with Diabetes
The good news? Early detection and proactive care can help preserve your hearing. Here’s what you can do:
1. Get Regular Hearing Tests
- Just like eye and foot checks, annual hearing tests should be part of your diabetes care plan. At Revive Hearing, we offer comprehensive hearing assessments to detect issues early.
2. Manage Blood Sugar Levels
- Keeping glucose levels within a healthy range helps protect blood vessels and nerves, including those in your ears.
3. Maintain a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle
- Eat a balanced diet (low in processed sugars, high in nutrients)
- Exercise regularly to improve circulation
- Avoid smoking (which worsens blood flow to the ears)
4. Protect Your Ears from Noise Damage
- Use earplugs in loud environments
- Limit exposure to loud music/headphones
5. Seek Professional Help Early
- If you suspect hearing loss, don’t wait—early intervention with hearing aids or other treatments can significantly improve quality of life.
Why Choose Revive Hearing in Tasmania?
At Revive Hearing, we specialise in personalised hearing care for diabetics and all Tasmanians. Our services include:
- ✅ Comprehensive hearing tests
- ✅ Custom hearing solutions (including advanced hearing aids)
- ✅ Ongoing support & maintenance
- We’re committed to helping you hear better and live better—because your hearing health matters.