Issue 28.17
Diabetes and hearing loss are two of America’s most widespread health concerns. Nearly 26 million people in the U.S. have diabetes, and an estimated 34.5 million have some type of hearing loss. Those are large groups of people, and it appears there is a lot of overlap between the two.
A recent study found that hearing loss is twice as common in people with diabetes as it is in those who don’t have the disease. Also, of the 79 million adults in the U.S. who have prediabetes, the rate of hearing loss is 30 percent higher than in those with normal blood glucose.
Right now we don’t know how diabetes is related to hearing loss. It’s possible that the high blood glucose levels associated with diabetes cause damage to the small blood vessels in the inner ear, similar to the way in which diabetes can damage the eyes and the kidneys. But more research needs to be done to discover why people with diabetes have a higher rate of hearing loss.
Since it can happen slowly, the symptoms of hearing loss can often be hard to notice. In fact, family members and friends sometimes notice the hearing loss before the person experiencing it.
Signs of Hearing Loss
• Frequently asking others to repeat themselves.
• Trouble following conversations that involve more than two people.
• Thinking that others are mumbling.
• Problems hearing in noisy places such as busy restaurants.
• Trouble hearing the voices of women and small children.
• Turning up the TV or radio volume too loud for others who are nearby.
What should I do if I suspect a hearing loss?
Talk to your Audiologist or doctor who specializes in hearing and balance problems. Generally, from a full hearing exam by a Doctor of Audiology, you’ll learn more about your hearing loss such as type, cause and severity of the loss as well as how it may be impacting your daily life. You will also be given the latest treatment options and counseling on what can be done to treat it.
Advanced Hearing & Balance Specialists has been providing audiology services for more than 40 years. With offices in 10 communities throughout Southern Utah and Nevada, we make it convenient for you to receive the highest levels of hearing and balance care. We always put our patients’ concerns first, matching each individual’s needs with the treatments and tools that fit their lifestyle.
Dr. Lance F. Greer, Au.D., FAAA, grew up in Heber, Arizona, has been in the St. George area for the past 14 years and is a co-owner of Advanced Hearing & Balance Specialists. His wife’s name is Shannon and they are the parents of five children. They enjoy traveling and spending time with their team of swimming children. He has been a member of the Dixie Sunrise Rotary Club and enjoys serving others in the community. In 1998, Dr. Greer developed the newborn hearing screening program at DRMC and currently serves as the Director of this program. He graduated with his Master of Science in Audiology in 1997 from Brigham Young University and was conferred his Doctor of Audiology degree from the PCO School of Audiology in December 2003. Dr. Greer specializes in:
• Hearing Aid Sales, Service and Counseling Specialist
• Earmold and Hearing Protection Specialist
• Diagnostic Medical Hearing Assessments for Adults and Children
• Diagnostic Balance and Dizziness Assessment of Adults
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Specialist
• Industrial Hearing Conservation Specialist