[Diabetic complications and hypoacusia]

The relationship between diabetes mellitus and hypacusia has been discussed since the work of Jordao, in 1857. Numerous authors are openly pro this viewpoint, whereas other deny it. The hypoacusis is typically bilateral, progressive and of neurosensory nature, affecting the higher frequencies. In the etiologic aspect some authors bet for an angiopathic origin, but others suppose a neuropathic cause. We have achieved a comparative study with the aim to get some conclusions that could enlighten this field. Forty patients with diabetes mellitus type II were audiometrically examinees (at threshold and with supraliminar tests) and the results compared with those of a control group. We also assessed several complications of the disease and their possible report with the auditive impairment (retinopathy and neuropathy). We found out a sensorineural, bilateral and symmetrical hearing impairment. Employing the Man Whitney's U test we compare distinct groups and explain the gained outcomes. Bibliographic review of authors defending the vascular or the nervous starting point.