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The Association Between Glycolyzed Hemoglobin A1c and Hearing Loss in Diabetic Patients

Elif Elibol1, Hacer Baran2

  • 1Otolaryngology, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Yenimahalle Government Hospital, Ankara, TUR.

Cureus
|October 12, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Higher glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in diabetic patients correlate with poorer hearing function across various frequencies. Regular audiological testing is recommended for individuals with elevated HbA1c to monitor hearing health.

Area of Science:

  • Audiology
  • Endocrinology
  • Diabetology

Background:

  • Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder associated with numerous microvascular and macrovascular complications.
  • Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a key biomarker reflecting long-term glycemic control in diabetic patients.
  • Emerging evidence suggests a link between diabetes and hearing impairment, particularly sensorineural hearing loss.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the correlation between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and audiometric parameters in a cohort of diabetic patients.
  • To determine if varying degrees of glycemic control, indicated by HbA1c values, impact specific aspects of hearing function.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 724 diabetic patients categorized into four groups based on HbA1c levels (<4.5, 4.5-5, 5-6, >6).
  • Audiometric assessments included pure-tone thresholds (250-8000 Hz), speech recognition thresholds, and speech discrimination scores.
  • Statistical analysis compared audiometric parameters across HbA1c groups to identify significant correlations.

Main Results:

  • Significant differences in speech recognition thresholds, speech discrimination scores, and pure-tone thresholds across all tested frequencies were observed in the highest HbA1c group (HbA1c > 6).
  • A significant positive correlation was found between higher HbA1c levels and impaired hearing thresholds at 500 Hz and 4000 Hz, as well as reduced speech discrimination and recognition in the right ear.
  • These findings indicate a negative impact of poor glycemic control on hearing function, affecting both high and low frequencies.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels are associated with a negative impact on hearing function in diabetic patients.
  • The severity of diabetes, as indicated by HbA1c, appears to affect hearing across a wide range of frequencies.
  • Regular audiological screening is crucial for diabetic patients, especially those with higher HbA1c levels, to detect and manage potential hearing loss.

Keywords:
diabetesglycated hemoglobin (hba1c)hearing losspure tone audiometry

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