Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
Sarah Sesslar, Au.D. – Doctor of Audiology
Studies show that people with diabetes are twice as likely to experience hearing loss as non-diabetics. The relationship between the two is unclear. There are a number of factors at play. However, it is clear that diabetics are at a greater risk and should be vigilant in monitoring their hearing so that measures can be taken early to combat further loss.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), uncontrolled high blood sugar levels may lead to hearing loss. This is because chronic high blood sugar levels may damage the nerves and small blood vessels in the inner ear. Over time, low blood sugar levels may also affect how nerve signals travel from the inner ear to the brain.
One study published online on June 17, 2008, in the Annals of Internal Medicine, was conducted by researchers from the NIDDK, the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), components of the NIH, and Social & Scientific Systems, Inc. The researchers discovered a higher rate of hearing loss in those with diabetes after analyzing the results of hearing tests given to a nationally representative sample of adults in the United States. The test measured participants’ ability to hear low, middle, and high frequency sounds in both ears. The link between diabetes and hearing loss was evident across all frequencies, with a stronger association in the high frequency range. Mild or greater hearing impairment of low- or mid-frequency sounds in the worse ear was about 21 percent in 399 adults with diabetes compared to about 9 percent in 4,741 adults without diabetes. For high frequency sounds, mild or greater hearing impairment in the worse ear was 54 percent in those with diabetes compared to 32 percent in those who did not have the disease.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF HEARING LOSS?
• Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
• Trouble following conversations that involve more than 1 other person
• Thinking that others are mumbling
• Problems hearing in noisy places (restaurants, for example)
• Trouble hearing the voices of women and small children
• Turning up the TV or radio volume too loud for others who are nearby
• Difficulty hearing everyday sounds like the phone or doorbell
HOW CAN I PROTECT MY EARS?
Hearing loss is not reversible, but there are things you can do to protect your ears and not speed up the process. Here are some important things that can help:
1. Keep your blood sugar as close to your target levels as possible.
2. Get your hearing checked every year.
3. Avoid other causes of hearing loss, including loud noises.
4. Ask your doctor whether any medicines you’re taking can damage your hearing and what other options are available.
5. Have your hearing tested by an audiologist when you first find out you have diabetes and then every year after. Make it part of your diabetes care schedule.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I SUSPECT HEARING LOSS?
If you are experiencing symptoms of hearing loss, talk to your doctor. He/she will likely do some simple tests to assess the situation and possibly refer you to an audiologist. A full hearing exam will help determine the extent of hearing loss and treatments, such as hearing aids, that will make your life easier.
Dr. Sarah Sesslar, Au.D
Dr. Sarah Sesslar, Au.D., originally from Ohio, joined Decibels Audiology and Hearing Aid Center in the Fall of 2015. She completed a Bachelor of Science in Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences from Ohio University in 2009 and earned her Doctorate in Audiology from The Ohio State University in 2013. Dr. Sesslar completed her externship and continued as a Doctor of Audiology at Charleston Ear, Nose, & Throat Associates in Charleston, South Carolina. Throughout her experience as an Audiologist, Dr. Sesslar has enjoyed working with patients to support their hearing in a variety of challenging environments and to care for their overall health and wellness. Dr. Sesslar and her husband, Kyle, are adjusting to life in southwest Florida quite nicely. They along with their goldendoodle, Poppy, enjoy the Florida sunshine and watching Ohio State football games.
Decibels Audiology & Hearing Center
3000 Immokalee Rd #8
Just East of Jason’s Deli
971 Michigan Avenue
Just Northeast of Bascom Palmer
PLEASE CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT
239-631-5731
napleshearingaids.com
