Hearing Loss as a Neurological Manifestation of Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus affects millions of people and is a significant public health concern. Neurologically, hearing occurs with intact outer, middle, and inner ear functioning, with brain recognition and decoding. Hearing impairments are underrecognized and contribute to safety issues and poor quality of life. CONTENT: This article identifies how diabetes contributes to neurological changes that manifest as impaired hearing and balance. A pathophysiological review of the auditory pathway and ongoing theories of diabetes-related changes in the auditory nerves and blood vessels results in impaired hearing and balance. SUMMARY: Neuroscience nurses benefit from understanding how uncontrolled diabetes and nerve destruction impact communication, quality of life, and safety. Diabetic neuropathy does not exist in isolation and hearing loss often goes unappreciated.