A systematic review published in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery highlights that patients with type 2 diabetes have a substantially elevated risk of hearing loss, being 4.19 times more likely than non-diabetics. Analyzing data from 17 studies involving 3,910 diabetic patients and 4,084 controls between January 2019 and April 2024, findings show hearing loss prevalence among diabetics ranging from 41% to 72%. Key factors include disease duration, with patients having diabetes for over 10 years at double the risk of hearing loss. Glycemic control, indicated by hemoglobin A1c levels, correlates with hearing loss severity. Researchers emphasize the need for monitoring as hearing loss could be an early sign of microvascular complications.
1. Type 2 diabetes increases hearing loss risk by 4.19-fold.2. Prevalence among diabetics ranges from 41% to 72%.3. High-frequency hearing loss is notably affected.4. Patients with diabetes lasting over 10 years double their risk of loss.5. Glycemic control correlates with hearing loss severity.6. Gender impact on hearing loss prevalence is negligible.7. Persistent hyperglycemia affects cochlear microcirculation.8. Mild hearing loss complicates clinical assessments.
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