Hearing loss is about twice as common in adults with diabetes compared to those who do not have the disease, according to a study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Yet hearing screenings typically are not part of the regular care that people with diabetes are routinely recommended to receive. Additionally, the  vast majority of doctors in today’s health care system do not include hearing health as a routine part of annual exams.

“Hearing loss affects virtually every aspect of a person’s life, making it all the harder for people with diabetes to cope with their disease,” said Sergei Kochkin, PhD, executive director of the Better Hearing Institute {BHI).

Much of this education began earlier this year during The American Diabetes Association Alert Day?. November is National Diabetes Month, and Healthy Hearing is participating in an effort to educate Hampton Roads residents on the importance of hearing exams, whether a customer has been diagnosed with diabetes or has several of the characteristics to watch for such as being overweight or having family members with the disease.

 “A hearing check is invaluable in determining whether or not someone with diabetes does have a hearing loss and will help to ensure that they get the treatment they need,” said Healthy Hearing’s owner Chris Maher, M.Ed., NBC-HIS .” Research has shown that people with diabetes are twice as likely to develop hearing loss as those who do not have diabetes. Since hearing loss develops slowly, many times it goes undiagnosed and the risk of auditory atrophy increases (meaning the brain’s inability to recognize and process speech cues quickly and efficiently).

About Diabetes

Diabetes is a serious disease that strikes nearly 26 million children and adults in the United States, according to the ADA. An additional 79 million, or one in three American adults, have pre-diabetes, which puts them at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is called a “silent killer” because a quarter of those with the disease – 7 million – do not know they have it. For many, diagnosis may come seven to ten years after the onset of the disease. Therefore, early diagnosis is critical to successful treatment and delaying or preventing some of its complications, such as heart disease, blindness, kidney disease, stroke, amputation, and death.

According the ADA, everyone should be aware of the risk factors for type 2 diabetes. People who are overweight, under active (living a sedentary lifestyle) and over the age of 45 should consider themselves at risk for the disease. African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders and people who have a family history of the disease also are at an increased risk for type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by losing just 7 percent of body weight (such as 15 pounds if you weigh 200) through regular physical activity (30 minutes a day, five days a week) and healthy eating. By understanding the risk, individuals can take the necessary steps to help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.

You Can Help…

Now through December 6^th, you can help us support the fight against Diabetes with an easy click or your mouse. All you have to do is have your friends and family click “Like” on our page http://www.facebook.com/HealthyHearingNow. Healthy Hearing will donate a $1 for every “Like” we receive to support the fight that has touched so many families. Between now and December 6th, you can also refer a new customer to us for a free, no obligation complete hearing exam, and we will donate $10 including your name in our presentation.