Hearing loss among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study

Audiological profile of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

 South Africa shows a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes with reported association with auditory dysfunction.

OBJECTIVES

 To describe the audiological profile of adults with this metabolic condition.

METHOD

 Employing a descriptive research design, 35 individuals with type 2 diabetes, selected through purposive sampling, underwent a basic audiological assessment in addition to extended high-frequency (EHF) audiometry, distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) testing and neurological auditory brainstem response (ABR) test.

RESULTS

 This study revealed a 31.4% prevalence of hearing loss with 81.8% being sensorineural in nature. Poor hearing thresholds were observed at 16 kHz (n = 19; 54.3%), 18 kHz (n = 24; 68.6%) and 20 kHz (n = 30; 85.7%) in the right ear and at 16 kHz (n = 20; 57.1%), 18 kHz (n = 24; 68.6%) and 20 kHz (n = 30; 85.7%) in the left ear. Absent DPOAEs were observed at 6 kHz (n = 20; 51.7%) and 8 kHz (n = 24; 68.6%) in the right ear and at 6 kHz (n = 17; 48.6%) and 8 kHz (n = 29; 82.9%) in the left ear, possibly indicating that type 2 diabetes specifically targets higher frequency hearing. The ABR results revealed a delayed absolute latency of wave III bilaterally (right ear -69%; left ear - 51%), suggesting an impact of this metabolic disease on retro-cochlear pathways.

CONCLUSION

 Hearing loss should be recognised as a comorbidity accompanying type 2 diabetes, which indicates the need for routine comprehensive audiological assessments to facilitate early detection and intervention.Contribution: The present findings have implications for audiology clinical protocols; diabetes related health policies and patient education.

Prevalence and Severity of Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Diabetic and Hypertensive Patients: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

Background The ability to perceive sound is crucial for effective communication and environmental awareness. This study aimed to assess sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in patients with both diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN). Materials and methods A total of 120 participants of both genders were divided into three groups: Group I consisted of diabetic patients (n=40, 22 males and 18 females), Group II included hypertensive individuals (n=40, 16 males and 24 females), and Group III served as controls (n=40, 15 males and 25 females). General ear examinations, including otoscopy, were conducted. Hearing function and the degree, pattern, and configuration of hearing loss were assessed using general ear examinations and pure tone audiometry. Results Normal hearing was observed in 25% of Group I, 26% of Group II, and 85% of Group III. Mild hearing loss was evident in 75% of Group I, 50% of Group II, and 15% of Group III, while moderate hearing loss was observed in 24% of Group II. These differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion Diabetic and hypertensive individuals demonstrated a higher hearing loss prevalence than healthy controls.

Sensorineural hearing loss among type 2 diabetic patients and its association with peripheral neuropathy: a cross-sectional study from a lower middle-income country

INTRODUCTION

Despite potential links between diabetes and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), routine hearing assessments for diabetic patients are not standard practice. Our study aimed to investigate the prevalence of SNHL and its association with diabetes-related factors among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Diabetes Clinic, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, Pakistan, from May to September 2021. A total of 396 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria participated after informed consent. Data collection involved a sociodemographic profile, Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument examination followed by pure-tone audiometry and laboratory tests including haemoglobin A1C (HbA1c). HL was defined using better ear four-frequency pure-tone average of ≥26 dB HL and graded as per WHO criteria. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS. χ2, independent t-test and multinomial logistic regression analyses were applied. P<0.05 at 95% CI was considered significant.

RESULTS

Our study revealed a high prevalence of SNHL among patients with T2DM. Mild HL was seen in 55.8%, while 18.7% suffered from moderate HL. Common audiological symptoms included difficulty understanding speech in noisy surroundings (44.2%), balance problems (42.9%), sentence repetition (35.9%), tinnitus (32.3%) and differentiating consonants (31.1%). Hearing impairment predominantly affected low (0.25-0.5 kHz) and high (4-8 kHz) frequencies with a significant difference at 4 kHz among both sexes (t (394)=2.8, p=0.004). Peripheral neuropathy was significantly associated with SNHL on multinomial logistic regression after adjusting with age, sex, body mass index and the presence of any comorbidities. Diabetes duration, HbA1c or family history of diabetes was found unrelated to SNHL severity.

CONCLUSIONS

The study highlights the substantial prevalence of SNHL among patients with T2DM and emphasises the importance of targeted audiological care as part of a holistic approach to diabetes management. Addressing HL early may significantly improve communication and overall quality of life.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Sensorineural Hearing Impairment Among Patients with T2DM in Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia, 2022: A Multi-Centered Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Generally, people with type 2 diabetes mellitus in various countries experience a significant rate of sensorineural hearing impairment. Nonetheless, there is scant evidence of sensorineural hearing impairment among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Northwest Ethiopian. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence rate and contributing factors of sensorineural hearing impairment in type 2 diabetics at comprehensive and specialized referral hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A facility-based cross-sectional study design was carried out from May 3, 2022, to June 14, 2022, on 846 study participants in Ethiopia, with a response rate of 99.65%. The research subjects were chosen by simple random sampling techniques. Data was gathered by using audiometric measurements and structured interview-administered questionnaires and then entered into EPI data version 4.6. Finally, it was exported to STATA 14 for analysis. Binary logistic regression, chi-square test, and odds ratio were done to verify the assumptions and degree of association. Ultimately, factors exhibiting a p-value < 0.05 with a 95% CI were regarded as significant predictors of hearing impairment.

Results

The magnitude of sensorineural hearing impairment in this investigation was 50.49% (95% CI: 45.67%, 55.26%). Factors significantly associated with sensorineural hearing impairment were age (AOR=1.10, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.14), hyperlipidemia (AOR=2.86, 95% CI: 1.05, 7.82), duration of diabetes (AOR=2.26, 95% CI: 1.26, 4.06), hypertension (AOR=1.94, 95% CI: 1.02, 3.69) and regular physical exercise (AOR=0.25, 95% CI: 0.09, 0.68).

Conclusions and Recommendations

In this study, relatively high rates of sensorineural hearing impairment were observed. Stakeholders should establish routine hearing screening, and participants will advise to incorporate regular physical exercise into their routines.

The Impact of Diabetes Mellitus on Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Cross-Sectional Study in Eastern India

Objective Hearing loss as a comorbidity of type 2 diabetes mellitus (type 2 DM) is frequently overlooked by patients and healthcare professionals because of a lack of awareness. This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the impact of DM on sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in the population of Eastern India. The primary objectives are to assess the prevalence and severity of SNHL among individuals with DM, explore demographic and clinical factors associated with hearing impairment, and contribute valuable insights to the understanding of this relationship in a specific regional context. Methods An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 198 patients with type 2 DM. Of these, 46 patients were excluded based on exclusion criteria. All patients underwent detailed demographic and clinical assessments, including glycemic control, DM duration, and associated complications. Pure tone audiometry was used to evaluate hearing thresholds. Otoacoustic emission testing was performed to assess cochlear dysfunction. Results A high prevalence of SNHL (70.4%) was observed among the 152 participants meeting the inclusion criteria. Females exhibited a higher prevalence than males, and most participants experienced mild SNHL. Rural residence, lower socioeconomic status, and poor glycemic control were associated with increased SNHL. Significant associations were found between hearing loss severity and DM duration, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, and complications. Among complications, a strong association was noted with diabetic neuropathy. No significant association was observed with the presence or absence of otoacoustic-emission. Conclusion This study reveals a substantial impact of DM on SNHL in Eastern India, emphasizing the importance of routine hearing assessments in diabetic populations. The findings contribute to regional understanding and have implications for targeted healthcare interventions and preventive strategies.

Diabetes mellitus and hearing loss

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major disease threatening human health and its incidence is increasing year on year. As a chronic complication of DM, hearing loss mostly occurs undetectably. However, the mechanism of this diabetes-related hearing loss (DRHL) remains unclear and there is no effective clinical treatment. Studies of animal or human pathology show that DM causes damage to the blood vessels, spiral ganglion neurons, afferent nerve fibers, the organ of Corti, and the stria vascularis of the inner ear. In recent years, more advances in pathological research have revealed the possible mechanism of DRHL. In addition, a large number of clinical studies suggest that the duration and severity of DM are closely related to the incidence and severity of DRHL. This review focuses on the relationship between DM and hearing loss. The clinical audiological characteristics of diabetic patients, risk factors for DRHL, typical pathology, and potential interventions of DRHL are summarized. This will help reveal the pathogenesis and intervention approaches for DRHL.

Evaluation of the Effects of Dyslipidemia on Hearing in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Modernization has led to change in life style and physical inactivity which are playing a major role in increasing the number of people with diabetes and dyslipidaemia, Different types of hearing loss in diabetic patients have been reported which shows progressive, gradual, bilateral sensorineural loss. The primary aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of dyslipidemia on hearing in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A comparative study was conducted where patients were divided into 4 groups-Type II diabetes mellitus with dyslipidemia,Type II diabetes mellitus with normal lipid profile, Only Dyslipidemia,Normal subjects. A total of 128 participants were enrolled in the study. The Diabetes patient was determined by the FBS, PPBS and Hba1c levels. Dyslipidemia determined by LDL,HDL,VLDL.Patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and dyslipidaemia was evaluated for the presence of hearing loss with the help of PTA. Prevalence of hearing loss among patients with Diabetes and Dyslipidaemia was 65.7%, 40.6% in Type II DM with normal lipid profile patients, 18.75% in patients with dyslipidaemia. Statistically significant association of hearing loss was noted in patients with diabetes mellitus and dyslipidaemia. Although hearing loss is multifactorial, control of the risk factors like dyslipidaemia in diabetes mellitus definitely halt the process of auditory damage. As observed from this study, poor glycaemic control, associated other co-morbidities were contributing factors for hearing loss. Healthy life style with early recognition of these diseases helps in preventing further damage.

Diabetes Mellitus and Hearing Loss: A Complex Relationship

Background and Objectives: Discussion is open about the relationship between diabetes (DM) and hearing loss (HL). There is a lot of evidence in the literature suggesting a causal link between these conditions, beyond being considered simple comorbidities. The difficulty in identifying populations free from confounding factors makes it difficult to reach definitive conclusions on the pathophysiological mechanisms at play. Nonetheless, there is numerous evidence that demonstrates how the population affected by DM is more affected by sensorineural HL (SNHL) and exhibit a higher prevalence of idiopathic sudden sensorineural HL (ISSNHL). Materials and Methods: Articles reporting potentially relevant information were reviewed, and the most significant results are discussed in this article. Starting from the possible mechanisms relating to auditory impairment in the diabetic condition, this article summarizes the studies on auditory evaluation in subjects with DM1 and DM2 and addresses the relationship between DM and ISSNHL. Results: DM is considered a risk factor for SNHL, although some studies have reported no relationship when the associations were adjusted for age, gender, and hypertension. Macro and microvascular insults that cause decreased blood flow, oxygen exchange, and ion transport are major complications of hypertension and DM and can have a direct effect on the sensory and support cells of the cochlea. Conclusions: Given the difficulty of carrying out studies on populations without confounding factors, new laboratory studies are strongly required to clarify which specific physiopathological mechanisms underlie the diabetic damage caused to the hearing organs and how pharmacological management may contribute to counteracting the pathophysiological effects of the diabetic condition on the auditory system.

Morbidity profile among older people at primary health care centers in Saudi Arabia during the period 2012-2020

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the morbidity profile and explore the geriatric giants, health problems, and their risk factors among old people in the older people health clinics at primary health care centers (PHCCs) in Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

This is a record-based descriptive cross-sectional study. Data was collected between 2012-2020 using the health data of older people to whom comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) was carried out at 1,481 PHCCs in Saudi Arabia. Data included sociodemographic and health related characteristics, medications, results of CGA, complete clinical examination, and laboratory results. Assessment was carried out for diabetes, hypertension, obesity, underweight, vision and hearing impairments, depression, memory and cognitive impairment, risk of falls, urine incontinence, bronchial asthma, and anemia.

RESULTS

A total of 193,715 older people were screened. A high prevalence of diabetes (55.4%), hypertension (49.1%), diabetes and hypertension co-morbidity (26.8%), and obesity (22.2%) were found. The overall prevalence of anemia was 4.7% and asthma 8.9%. The prevalence of positive screening for depression was 5.9%, 2.9% for memory and cognitive impairment, 6.3% for urine incontinence, and 4.0% for risk of fall. The prevalence of vision impairment was 20.6%, hearing impairments was 12.6%, and for underweight it was 5.4%. There was high prevalence of risk factors like smoking (8.5%), and polypharmacy (25.3%). Health regions varied widely in prevalence of the studied health conditions.

CONCLUSION

The study findings highlight the importance of CGA in early detection of geriatric giants, health problems, and associated risk factors among Saudi older people.