My mom has diabetes, does that mean she will develop hearing loss too?

Research shows that hearing loss is more prevalent in people with diabetes and especially those with type II diabetes. Her age and how well she takes care of herself also play a part. Hearing loss is usually a combination of many factors, not just one like being diabetic, but the condition of diabetes alone can be damaging to the nerves and blood vessels of the inner ear, which may lead to sensori-neural hearing loss. At the initial identification of diabetes the person may have normal hearing, but then have their hearing deteriorate as the disease progresses.

My recommendation is that if you have diabetes, you should come in for a baseline screening to see where your hearing is at. If one develops hearing loss, they should be checked for diabetes. Both conditions will have the best outcomes if caught and treated early.

Dr. Tia Flynn is a certified audiologist and has been in business for more than 14 years. Every Tuesday morning from 9 a.m. to noon, Dr. Flynn provides free hearing screenings at 1601 Third St. in Coeur d'Alene. (208) 664-2767. Visit our newly updated website www.affordablehearinginc.com for an online hearing test and watch helpful videos.