New Research Claims Link Between Diabetes And Hearing Loss

Main Category: Diabetes
Also Included In: Hearing / Deafness
Article Date: 19 Jun 2008 - 9:00 PDT

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New research claims that adults with diabetes are twice as likely to have impaired hearing as people without the condition.

The findings emerged when scientists analysed the results of a national hearing survey of more than 5,000 adults in America. They were tested for their ability to hear low, middle and high frequency sounds.

Figures from the survey

Results from 399 people with diabetes showed that 21 per cent had a 'mild or greater' level of hearing impairment for low to mid-frequency sounds on their worst affected ear. Out of 4,741 people without diabetes, only nine per cent had the same kind of hearing impairment.

The hearing tests were administered from 1999 to 2004 as part of the US National health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Further evaluation needed

"There are several studies that have looked into the link between diabetes and hearing loss, which show conflicting evidence about the relationship," said Dr Victoria King, Research Manager at Diabetes UK.

"This study shows a stronger relationship between diabetes and hearing loss but further evaluation of the link is needed before it can be confirmed," she added.

Diabetes UK

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