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Hearing Loss in Adults With Diabetes and Prediabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Mehwish Nisar1, Shamshad Karatela2, Anjana Rajagopal3
1Centre for Hearing Research, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews
|June 23, 2026
Summary
Diabetes significantly increases the risk of moderate-to-severe hearing loss, affecting one in four individuals with diabetes. This risk is higher in younger adults and those in low-income countries, highlighting the need for routine hearing screenings.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Endocrinology
- Public Health
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus is a known risk factor for hearing impairment due to microvascular damage and neuropathy.
- The prevalence of moderate-to-severe hearing loss (≥40 dB HL) in diabetic populations and its variations across demographics remain under-researched.
- Understanding these disparities is crucial for targeted public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and quantify the prevalence of moderate-to-severe hearing loss in individuals with diabetes and prediabetes.
- To compare the risk of hearing loss between diabetic/prediabetic individuals and controls.
- To explore how age, national income level, and diabetes duration influence hearing loss risk.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across major databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL) from 2000-2025.
- Observational studies reporting audiometric thresholds in diabetic or prediabetic subjects were included.
- Random-effects meta-analyses were used to pool prevalence and odds ratios (ORs); study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.
Main Results:
- The pooled prevalence of moderate-to-severe hearing loss among 5221 diabetic individuals was 24% (95% CI: 19%-30%).
- Diabetes was associated with a doubled odds of hearing loss compared to controls (OR=2.41).
- Elevated risk was observed in younger adults (<60 years, OR=3.03) and individuals in low- and middle-income countries (OR=4.51), and with diabetes duration <10 years (OR=2.68).
Conclusions:
- Approximately one in four adults with diabetes experiences clinically significant hearing loss.
- Hearing loss risk in diabetes is significantly higher in younger individuals and populations from resource-limited settings.
- Routine audiometric screening should be integrated into comprehensive diabetes care management.
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