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Diabetes and Auditory-Vestibular Pathology
Saravanan Elangovan1, Christopher Spankovich2
1Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee.
Seminars in Hearing
|October 12, 2019
Summary
Diabetes mellitus (DM) can cause progressive hearing loss and affect the vestibular system. Research is ongoing to fully understand the complex mechanisms, including hyperglycemia and oxidative stress, impacting the inner ear and auditory nerve in persons with diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Endocrinology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- The link between diabetes mellitus (DM) and auditory/vestibular dysfunction is recognized.
- DM is associated with progressive, bilateral, high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss in many individuals.
- Mechanisms of DM-related inner ear and auditory nerve degeneration are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of evidence regarding DM's effects on the auditory-vestibular system.
- To summarize pathophysiological changes in the inner ear and auditory nerve caused by DM.
- To highlight the impact of DM on vestibular function.
Main Methods:
- Review of animal studies investigating DM-induced inner ear changes.
- Analysis of human studies examining hearing and vestibular function in persons with diabetes.
- Synthesis of current research on the pathophysiology of DM-related auditory and vestibular complications.
Main Results:
- DM is linked to sensorineural hearing loss, particularly affecting high frequencies.
- Hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, cochlear microangiopathy, and auditory neuropathy are implicated mechanisms.
- Vestibular system complications in DM are less understood but increasingly recognized.
Conclusions:
- DM significantly impacts both auditory and vestibular systems.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms of DM-induced otologic damage.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for managing hearing and balance issues in individuals with diabetes.
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