Related Experiment Videos
Hearing loss in diabetics
1Tyrone County Hospital, Omagh, Belfast, N. Ireland.
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Insulin-dependent diabetes is linked to sensorineural hearing loss, particularly affecting high frequencies. Male diabetics showed more significant hearing impairment than females, independent of diabetes duration or insulin dosage.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Endocrinology
- Audiology
Background:
- The link between diabetes mellitus and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) remains debated.
- Previous studies have yielded conflicting results regarding the prevalence and characteristics of hearing impairment in diabetic individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between insulin-dependent diabetes and SNHL.
- To compare hearing thresholds and characteristics in diabetic patients versus age- and sex-matched controls.
Main Methods:
- Pure tone and speech audiometry were performed on 44 insulin-dependent diabetics and 38 controls.
- Stapedial reflex decay tests were conducted on diabetic patients with SNHL.
- Analysis of variance was used to compare hearing thresholds between groups.
Main Results:
- Diabetic patients exhibited significantly greater hearing loss than controls, primarily affecting high frequencies.
- Hearing loss extended to low frequencies in male diabetics.
- Seven diabetic patients showed evidence of recruitment, while none exhibited tone decay.
Conclusions:
- Insulin-dependent diabetes is associated with a higher prevalence of SNHL.
- Hearing impairment in diabetics is characterized by high-frequency loss, with males being more affected.
- Diabetes duration, insulin dosage, and family history did not significantly influence hearing thresholds.