What does your hearing have to do with a diabetes diagnosis? You may not know that according to the Better Hearing Institute, those with diabetes are twice as likely to have hearing complications or develop hearing loss. What is even more shocking is that those under the age of 60 are almost 3 times more likely to develop hearing complications due to diabetes. In addition, hearing loss can be closely correlated to physical, emotional, and mental health conditions.
Professionals strongly recommended that those with diabetes include regular hearing tests with their diabetes management so as to prevent a decline in communication with their doctors.
Studies have shown that those who address hearing loss and take the necessary steps to improve the condition, report a better quality of life, from social interactions to self-esteem.
Here are 5 tips you can follow to create healthier hearing with diabetes:
- Be cognizant of signs of hearing loss and get routine hearing tests yearly. Just like you go to see doctors to insure the health of other parts of the body, make sure you are treating your hearing the same by seeking testing once a year. If you notice complications with your hearing on you own, share this information with your physician.
- If needed, use hearing aids. With the tremendous improvements in hearing aids, it is possible for people with needs across the board to find a hearing aid specific to their requirements.
- Continually keep your blood sugar under control. Take appropriate medicines to maintain blood sugar levels as blood sugar levels can affect your hearing ability.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle. For those with or without diabetes, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to benefit your hearing health. Cut out the smoking and bring on the physical exercise!
- Use ear protection when needed. Those with diabetes are not the only ones at risk for hearing complication or hearing loss. By creating simple habits such as carrying disposable ear plugs and turning the volume down on electronics, you can help preserve your hearing.
For more information visit www.betterhearing.org.
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