Diabetes mellitus: A substantial factor of hearing loss in adults

ABSTRACT

Background: Diabetes mellitus is considered as most prevalent non-communicable disease throughout the world. It is associated with many complications. Hearing loss among diabetics is a recent concern, its magnitude and pathophysiology are not yet clearly defined. Aim and Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the relation between diabetes and hearing loss. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted with 200 diabetes mellitus patients aged between 20 and 50 years, selected from endocrinology outpatient department, SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack. Participants were subjected to pure tone audiometry at the department of ENT. Two hours PGBS (75 g) value was collected. Results: About 58% of the participants were detected with sensorineural hearing loss. There was a significant association of hearing loss with the duration of diabetes and glycemic status (with P < 0.05). Conclusion: The hearing loss found among diabetics showed strong association with the duration of the disease and the glycemic status. If detected earlier in its course, long-term complications of hearing can be avoided.