Audiometric configuration as a reflection of diabetes

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether or not a rising, progressively improving (RPI) sensorineural hearing loss from lower toward higher frequencies might be related to or serve as an indicator or predictor of diabetes. Forty-five subjects between the ages of 21 and 79, demonstrating a RPI audiometric pattern, were considered for a 5-hour oral glucose tolerance test. Based on the National Diabetes Data Group standard, results showed that diabetes mellitus appeared in seven subjects; five subjects had impaired glucose tolerance; and nine subjects had mild but nondiagnostic glucose intolerance. Relatively normal glucose values were demonstrated by 53% of subjects. There may be some value in an RPI audiometric pattern as an indicator or early detection sign for diabetes, but further research is necessary before such conclusions can be drawn.