Ear & Hearing Health for People with Diabetes

Hearing is an important part of daily life. It helps us communicate, stay safe, and stay connected with others.

People living with diabetes may have a higher risk of hearing problems over time. Taking steps to protect your hearing and scheduling regular checkups can help detect changes early and maintain good ear health.

This guide explains:

How diabetes may affect hearing
Signs of hearing changes
Tests that check hearing health
Everyday steps to protect your ears

How Diabetes Can Affect Hearing

Over time, high or low blood sugar levels may damage the small blood vessels and nerves in the inner ear that help you hear. When these structures are affected, the ear may have difficulty sending sound signals to the brain.

Because of this, hearing loss is more common among people with diabetes than among those without the condition.

Changes may happen gradually and may not be noticed right away.

Possible Hearing and Ear-Related Concerns

People with diabetes may experience:

Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can develop slowly over time.

Common signs include:

Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
Difficulty hearing in noisy places or “tuning out” background noise
Turning up the TV or radio louder than others prefer
Feeling like people are mumbling when they speak

Balance Problems

The inner ear also helps control balance. Changes in this area may increase the risk of dizziness or falls.

Ringing in the Ears (Tinnitus)

Some people experience ringing, buzzing, or humming sounds that are not coming from the environment.

Ear Infections

High blood sugar may make it harder for the body to fight infections, which can increase the risk of ear infections.

Hearing Tests You May Receive

Regular hearing checks can detect problems early.

Hearing Screening

A simple screening test checks whether you can hear sounds at different volumes.

Audiogram (Hearing Test)

This test measures how well you hear different pitches and tones.

You may wear headphones and respond when you hear a sound.

Middle Ear Evaluation

Your provider may check how well your eardrum moves and whether fluid or pressure is present in the ear.

Balance Evaluation

If you experience dizziness or falls, your provider may evaluate your balance.

Daily Habits That Protect Your Hearing

Keep Blood Sugar in Target Range

Good blood sugar control helps protect the small blood vessels and nerves in the ears.

Protect Your Ears from Loud Noise

Loud sounds can damage hearing.

Protect your ears by:

Using ear protection in noisy environments, or when doing loud/noisy activities (using a lawnmower/leaf blower, riding a motorcycle, woodworking/using power tools, etc.)
Keeping headphone volume at safe levels
Taking breaks from loud environments

Manage Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

Healthy circulation supports ear health.

Avoid Tobacco

Smoking can reduce blood flow to the inner ear and increase risk of hearing problems.

Stay Active

Regular physical activity (as approved by your healthcare provider) supports circulation and overall health.

When to Talk to Your Healthcare Provider

Contact your provider if you notice:

Sudden hearing changes
Ringing in your ears
Difficulty understanding conversations
Dizziness or balance problems
Ear pain or drainage

Sudden hearing changes should be evaluated as soon as possible.

Always ask your healthcare provider for specific advice on when to call to report symptoms, and when to seek urgent/emergency care.

Tips for Healthy Ears

✔ Monitor blood sugar regularly
✔ Schedule routine hearing checks
✔ Protect ears from loud noises
✔ Keep ears clean and dry
✔ Avoid inserting objects into the ear canal
✔ Report changes in hearing early

Taking care of your ears is part of taking care of your overall health.

Quick Ear Health Checklist

☐ Keep blood sugar within target range
☐ Protect ears from loud noise
☐ Schedule hearing tests when recommended
☐ Avoid smoking
☐ Maintain healthy blood pressure
☐ Report hearing or balance changes promptly

Small steps today can help protect your hearing for years to come.

Medical Disclaimer

This resource is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individuals should consult their physician, audiologist, or qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance regarding hearing and ear health. Always follow individualized medical recommendations and seek prompt medical attention for sudden hearing loss, persistent dizziness, or ear pain. Call 911 if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

Sources:

This handout is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.

This content was created with the assistance of AI. Any AI-generated content was reviewed by a Nurse Practitioner.