Patients with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) have a moderately increased risk for hearing loss. Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies range the risk from 18% – 60%. The micro-vascular complications for the ear include thickening of the basal membrane of the stria vascularis capillaries along with other neuropathic changes. This reported increased risk puts the need for a hearing evaluation as a needed tool in managing the adverse affects of DM.
If we manage hearing loss early on, your patient’s are less likely to experience fatigue, anxiety, depression, social withdrawal or cognitive decline.
Thank you for continuing to let us be a part of your comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to care.
