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[Hypoacusis and diabetes type II]
M Acuña García1, J L Herrero Laso, C Durán Díez
1Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital del Río Hortega, Valladolid.
Anales Otorrinolaringologicos Ibero-Americanos
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Diabetes mellitus can cause sensorineural hearing loss, particularly affecting high tones. However, this study found no significantly worse hearing thresholds in diabetic patients with other angiopathic complications.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Endocrinology
- Audiology
Context:
- The link between diabetes mellitus and hearing loss (hypoacusis) has been recognized since 1854.
- Previous studies show varied results due to heterogeneous patient groups.
- This research addresses inconsistencies by analyzing homogeneous patient cohorts.
Purpose:
- To investigate the relationship between diabetes mellitus and sensorineural hearing loss.
- To compare audiometric thresholds in diabetic patients with and without specific angiopathic complications.
- To identify statistically significant differences in hearing thresholds between well-defined patient groups.
Summary:
- The study analyzed audiometric tracings from 40 diabetic patients, categorized into two homogeneous groups based on age, sex, disease duration, angiopathic complications, and glycemic control (glycosylated hemoglobin).
- Findings indicate a sensorineural hearing loss pattern, characterized by a decline in high-frequency hearing thresholds.
- Crucially, no statistically significant worsening of hearing thresholds was observed in patients with co-existing angiopathic disorders.
Impact:
- Provides clearer insights into the specific audiological profile associated with diabetes mellitus.
- Highlights the importance of homogeneous patient selection in diabetes-related hearing loss research.
- Informs clinical practice regarding audiological monitoring in diabetic patients, even those with vascular complications.