Khaberni - A new study found that type 2 diabetes patients are 4 times more likely to suffer significant hearing loss over time.
Scientists said that hearing loss should be added to the list of increasing complications associated with diabetes.
According to "Health Day," researchers warned that uncontrolled blood sugar levels could be a major contributor to inner ear damage.
In the study, a research team from the University of Barcelona analyzed data from 17 previous studies, which included nearly 8,000 patients with type 2 diabetes.
High sound frequencies
According to the results, between 40% and 72% of type 2 diabetes patients showed signs of hearing loss, especially at high frequencies where early damage is easy to overlook.
Participants who suffered from moderate to severe to profound hearing loss had higher levels of glycated hemoglobin, indicating poor control of blood sugar levels over time.
Microvascular vessels
Researchers said this indicates that uncontrolled diabetes may damage the microvascular vessels that nourish the inner ear.
The findings called for adding hearing tests to the list of important considerations for screening for patients living with type 2 diabetes.
