RESUMO
Background: The typical hearing loss described among diabetes patients is progressive, bilateral, sensorineural deafness of gradual onset that predominantly affects the higher frequencies. Although there is mounting evidence for a relationship between diabetes and hearing impairment the awareness of auditory organ involvement in the course of diabetes is still not widespread among healthcare providers involved in diabetes care. Objective of present study was to assess the prevalence and the factors influencing sensorineural deafness among the patients with type II diabetes mellitus.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at our hospital for a period of 6 months. All type II diabetes patients without any other major systemic illness (CVA, coronary artery disease, thyroid disorders) were included for the study. A total of 300 patients were included in our study and the informed consent was obtained from all the study participants. A detailed history related to hearing loss and diabetes status was elicited from all the patients. All basic blood investigations along with HbA1c was performed on all the patients. All the patients were subjected to pure tone audiometry and it was performed using a pure tone audiometer model AUL 12096 audiometer of Labat company in a sound proof room.Results: The total prevalence of sensori-neural deafness among the study subjects was found to be 51.3% with majority of them having mild to moderate degree of sensori-neural deafness. Increase in age, female gender, longer duration of diabetes and higher HbA1C levels are the factors which had influenced the state of sensorineural deafness among the study subjects.Conclusions: The use of audiological test at primary care level should be made mandate for screening all the diabetes patients for hearing loss such a way the quality of life can be improved for patients requiring therapeutic interventions for their hearing improvement.
RESUMO
Introduction: Elderly population contributed to 7% of total population of India in 2001and it will rise to 9% by 2016. In 2010,100 million people were aged above 60 years and by 2020 it will be 177 million. Ageing process is as such complex and multi-factorial. Chronic morbidities like diabetes and hypertension are becoming common health problems among the geriatric population. Aim : To assess the prevalence of diabetes and hypertension among geriatric population in a rural community of Tamilnadu. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 geriatric population at Attayampatti village, rural community in Salem district by using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. House to house visit was done on simple random basis. Their height and weight was measured and body mass index was calculated. The diabetic status was confirmed by using random blood sugar estimation and hypertension was assessed by using a standard sphygmomanometer apparatus. Results:The overall prevalence of diabetes among study population was 36% and the prevalence of hypertension was 59%. Among diabetes, the prevalence in males was 22% and in females it was 15%. Among hypertensives, the prevalence in males was 33.3% and in females it was 26.2%. Their mean BP was 140/100 and the mean random blood sugar was 180mgs/dl. Factors like age, BMI and smoking showed statistical significant association towards diabetes and hypertension. Conclusion:Early identification of chronic geriatric morbidities like diabetes and hypertension should be ensured through periodic screening and regular health checkups.