The Relationship between Blood Sugar Control and Hearing Impairment in Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Abstract

Background and Aim: The auditory pathway is the primary target for elevated blood sugar levels. Increased glucose levels in diabetes patients can both physiologically and physically impair the hearing system. The purpose of this study is to look at the relationship between glycemic management and hearing impairment in those who have T2DM before they develop obvious clinical symptoms.
Material and Methods: This was a one-year prospective observational research conducted at Banas medical College and Research Institute, Palanpur, Gujarat from August 2022 to August 2023. The study included 150 people with T2DM who were at least 30 years old and had been living with the disease for at least 5 years. The distortion product otoacoustic emissions and transient induced otoacoustic emissions were used in the evaluation. HbA1c levels equal to or more than 7.5% were set as the criteria for inadequate glycemic control.
Results: A quarter of the subjects, 39 (26%) used insulin to control their blood sugar levels, while the remaining three-quarters, 111 (74%) used oral hypoglycemic medications. Although the observed correlation did not reach statistical significance, the gender-based
observation suggested a larger link in females. Conclusion: Our study's findings show a link between poor blood glucose control and the development of hearing impairment in those with T2DM. These findings emphasise the necessity of maintaining optimum glycemic management as a strategy of preventing hearing loss in this patient population. Further research, using a comprehensive and longitudinal research strategy, is required to substantiate these findings.