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Auditory neuropathy in individuals with Type 1 diabetes
Gary Rance1, Donella Chisari, Fleur O'Hare
1Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia, grance@unimelb.edu.au.
Journal of Neurology
|May 22, 2014
Summary
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) can cause auditory neuropathy (AN), leading to hearing loss and impacting communication. Early auditory evaluation is crucial for T1DM management, especially with co-occurring vision issues.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Audiology
Background:
- Peripheral neuropathy affects up to 50% of diabetes mellitus patients.
- Hearing loss is a known diabetes symptom, but auditory neuropathy (AN) is understudied in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate auditory function, processing, and speech perception in Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).
- To compare auditory findings with vestibular, ocular, and neurological profiles in T1DM patients.
Main Methods:
- Audiometry, otoacoustic emissions, auditory brainstem responses, temporal processing, and speech perception tests were administered.
- Ten T1DM adults and ten matched controls participated in the study.
Main Results:
- Six out of ten T1DM participants exhibited electrophysiologic evidence of AN and impaired hearing.
- Auditory function correlated with visual acuity and the severity of peripheral neuropathy.
Conclusions:
- T1DM is associated with functional hearing deficits impacting communication.
- Auditory evaluation may be essential for T1DM management, particularly when eye conditions are present, to mitigate cumulative sensory deficits.
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