Life Sounds Great

Research shows that people with diabetes are twice as likely to have hearing loss. It is believed, that high sugar levels damage the blood vessels and nerves in the ear. Hearing health considerations need to be part of good management plan for diabetes. The Better Hearing Institute (BHI), and has issued five habits for healthier hearing for people with diabetes.

1) Get a thorough hearing exam every year and watch for signs of hearing loss. You do it for your eyes. Now do it for your ears. See an audiologist every year for a thorough audiologic assessment

2) Use hearing aids, if recommended. Hearing aid technology has advanced radically in recent years. While hearing loss is not reversible, today’s hearing aids can dramatically enhance your ability to hear and engage with others—which can make a tremendous difference in your overall quality of life.

3) Keep your blood sugar under control. Just as your heart, eye, and nerve health are affected by your blood sugar levels, your hearing health may be as well.

4) Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Even for people without diabetes, a healthy lifestyle benefits hearing health. Not smoking, exercising, and maintaining a healthy diet all support your ability to hear.

5) Use ear protection. Everyone is at risk of noise-induced hearing loss. But using ear protection is one of the best—and simplest—things you can do to preserve your hearing.

Start now, obtain a baseline hearing evaluation.

1) Get a thorough hearing exam every year and watch for signs of hearing loss. You do it for your eyes. Now do it for your ears. See an audiologist every year for a thorough audiologic assessment

3) Keep your blood sugar under control. Just as your heart, eye, and nerve health are affected by your blood sugar levels, your hearing health may be as well.

5) Use ear protection. Everyone is at risk of noise-induced hearing loss. But using ear protection is one of the best—and simplest—things you can do to preserve your hearing.

Start now, obtain a baseline hearing evaluation.

Life sounds great! Enjoy every moment!