Diabetes and Hearing Loss

Diabetes and Hearing Loss by Kathryn Dowd, AuD Clinical Audiologist Hearing Solution Center Charlotte, NC www.hearingsolutioncenter.com

Purpose of Presentation
To make health care providers in NC aware of the link of diabetes to hearing loss and the need for intervention:
Why hearing loss occurs with diabetes
What is the impact of hearing loss on quality of life issues
What are the recommendations for diabetes education in light of hearing loss

Medical Conditions with Secondary Hearing Loss
A. Diabetes
B. Hypothyroidism
C. Multiple sclerosis
D. Chronic Renal Disease
E. Alport’s Syndrome
F. Paget’s Disease
G. Cogan’s Syndrome
H. Other Medical conditions

Ototoxic Drugs
A. Aminoglycoside Antibiotics (mycin drugs)
B. Loop Inhibiting Diuretics (lasix, furosemide)
C. Salicylates (aspirin, darvon, darvocet)
D. Cancer Chemotherapy
E. Quinine

Diabetes and hearing loss
In people age 60 and older with type 2 diabetes:
High blood sugar causes tiny blood vessels in the inner ear to break, disrupting sound reception.
Associated balance problems may come from neuropathy

VASCULATURE OF THE EAR
Blood Vessels of the Inner Ear
Arteries of the Middle Ear

CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE & HEARING LOSS
Association of CKD & Hearing Loss Known for Decades
Kidney & Stria Vascularis of Cochlea Share Physiologic, Ultrastructural and Antigenic Similarities
Diabetes Often Results in Chronic Renal Disease
Therefore, the Link Between Diabetes and Hearing Loss May Be Indirect But Exists

MALIGNANT OTITIS EXTERNA
Osteomyelitis of the Ear Canal
Often Involves the Adjacent Mastoid Bone
Pseudomonas is Common
Necrosis or Granulation of Canal
Exquisitely Tender to Motion
Temp Often >39˚ C (102.2˚)
May Find Facial Paralysis, Vertigo or Meningeal Signs
Intervention :
-- Incision & Drainage/Culture
--Ototopical & Oral Antibiotics
--Possible IV Therapy In-Patient
Diabetics at Increased Risk  Urgent Referral
Malignant External Otitis  Pus Draining from Necrotic Ear Canal & Underlying Osteomyelitic Bone; Swelling of Auricle With Loss of Cartilaginous Architecture

Effects of Untreated Hearing Loss
embarrassment, fatigue, irritability
tension/stress
avoidance of social activities
withdrawal from personal relationships
depression, negativism
danger to personal safety
social rejection by others
impaired memory and ability to learn new tasks
Reduced job performance and earning power
Diminished psychological and overall health
(Better Hearing Institute, 2009)

Auditory Deprivation
Although we hear with our ears, it is the brain that is the true hearing organ
Over time, the brain’s ability to understand speech is often affected by hearing loss
Once the ability to understand is lost, that ability can be difficult, if not impossible, to regain
Wearing hearing instruments can assist the brain in keeping the ability to understand from being lost

Recommendations for Monitoring Hearing
Screen hearing when identified with Diabetes
Ongoing assessment of hearing levels at least once a year
Encourage use of hearing aids if recommended
Seek an audiologist for comprehensive hearing services

Improved Hearing Means:
Better family relationships and communication
Less isolation and less prone to depression
Better job performance
More energy/less stress
Better quality of life: involvement in church, family and group activities

NC Diabetes State Plan
Clinical Interventions
“ Improve screening for and management of diabetes by encouraging healthcare providers to follow ADA guidelines, and include oral health and auditory screening as part of baseline assessments for people with diabetes.”
Counseling and Education
“ Raise awareness about diabetes uncommon co-morbidities including hearing loss and sleep apnea.”

Resources for Hearing Services
NC American Academy of Audiology
Better Hearing Institute www.betterhearing.org
NC Technical Equipment Program
Easter Seals www.eastersealsucp.com
Community Alternatives Program (CAP)
NC Vocational Rehabilitation
Independent Living

Questions? Kathryn Dowd, AuD Clinical Audiologist Hearing Solution Center Charlotte, NC www.hearingsolutioncenter.com

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Diabetes and Hearing Loss

by Hearing Solution Center on Aug 25, 2011

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Diabetes and Hearing Loss — Presentation Transcript