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Hearing in young diabetic patients
L Kasemsuwan1, S Sriwanyong, S Krittiyawong
1Department of Otolaryngology, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Summary
Diabetes may cause subtle hearing loss in young adults. This study found elevated hearing thresholds in young diabetic patients compared to non-diabetics, though still within normal ranges, with no clear link to diabetes control or complications.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Endocrinology
- Audiology
Background:
- Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) of unknown cause often prompts investigation for underlying systemic diseases.
- Diabetes mellitus is frequently considered in the differential diagnosis of SNHL.
- The precise relationship between diabetes and SNHL, particularly in younger populations, remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between diabetes mellitus and sensorineural hearing loss in patients under 40 years of age.
- To determine if early-stage diabetes impacts auditory function.
- To explore potential correlations between hearing thresholds and diabetes-related factors in young adults.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study design.
- Inclusion of 60 diabetic patients under 40 years old and 60 age/sex-matched non-diabetic controls.
- Pure-tone audiometry to assess average hearing thresholds.
Main Results:
- Diabetic patients exhibited significantly higher average hearing thresholds compared to the control group.
- Despite the elevation, the average hearing thresholds in the young diabetic cohort remained within the normal range.
- No statistically significant association was found between hearing thresholds and diabetes duration, glycemic control, family history, or complications in young diabetics.
Conclusions:
- Early diabetes may be associated with subclinical auditory changes, indicated by elevated hearing thresholds in young adults.
- Current diabetes management metrics (duration, control, complications) do not consistently correlate with hearing threshold changes in this young cohort.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the long-term impact of diabetes on hearing and potential early detection strategies.
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