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Auditory function in young patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus
J P Ferrer1, O Biurrun, J Lorente
1Endocrinology and Nutrition Service, Hospital Clinic i Provincial, University of Barcelona School of Medicine, Spain.
Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Type 1 diabetes mellitus can impair hearing, even in newly diagnosed patients. This mild sensorineural hearing impairment is linked to the duration of diabetes and patient age.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Endocrinology
- Audiology
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus is a complex condition with potential systemic effects.
- Previous research on diabetes and auditory function yielded conflicting results due to patient heterogeneity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of type 1 diabetes mellitus on auditory function.
- To identify factors associated with hearing impairment in type 1 diabetes patients.
Main Methods:
- Audiometric studies were conducted on 46 patients with type 1 diabetes (newly diagnosed and >3 years duration) aged 14-40.
- Results were compared to an age-matched control group.
- Pure-tone auditory thresholds were analyzed, with associations to clinical factors explored via univariate and multiple regression analyses.
Main Results:
- Both diabetic groups exhibited significantly higher pure-tone auditory thresholds across all tested frequencies (250-8,000 Hz) compared to controls.
- Ten patients (all with diabetes >3 years) showed conversational hearing loss (11-44%), though none reported subjective hearing difficulties.
- Auditory thresholds correlated significantly with age, disease duration, and retinopathy; only age and duration independently predicted auditory thresholds in multiple regression.
Conclusions:
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus can lead to mild sensorineural hearing impairment.
- The degree of hearing impairment is associated with the duration of the disease and the patient's age.
- Hearing function should be considered in the comprehensive management of type 1 diabetes.