Diabetic patients need to be alert to the "sweet killer" that attacks hearing health

Special reminder for Ear Care Day: Diabetic patients should be alert to the "sweet killer" that attacks hearing health

On March 3, 2025, we will usher in the 26th "International Ear Care Day", with the theme of "Healthy Hearing, Unimpeded Communication". At this important moment of paying attention to hearing health, we would like to remind the majority of diabetic patients: long-term high blood sugar will not only damage the eyes, kidneys and heart, but may also become an "invisible killer" of hearing loss!

1. The “hidden connection” between diabetes and hearing loss

Global research shows that the probability of hearing impairment in diabetic patients is 2-3 times that of normal people, and the risk is even higher in patients with type 2 diabetes. Long-term high blood sugar can cause two core damages:

Blood vessels "rust": microvascular disease leads to insufficient blood supply to the cochlea, affecting the transmission of sound signals;

Nerve "disconnection": high blood sugar destroys the myelin sheath of the auditory nerve, causing signal conduction disorders.

In addition, the free radicals produced by abnormal sugar metabolism can directly damage the inner ear hair cells, and these cells cannot regenerate once they die.

2. Beware of the three major warning signs of diabetic ear disease

If you experience the following symptoms, please seek medical attention immediately:

High-frequency hearing loss: When answering the phone, the other party always needs to repeat himself, and female voices are not clear to hear;

Persistent tinnitus: accompanied by vertigo or headache, which may indicate inner ear ischemia;

Can't hear clearly in noisy environments: It is difficult to communicate in places such as vegetable markets and subways.

3. Scientific ear protection starts with blood sugar management

Meeting blood sugar standards is key: Keeping glycosylated hemoglobin below 7% can significantly reduce the risk of hearing loss;

Lifestyle Adjustments:

Avoid noise pollution (such as wearing noise-reducing earplugs and staying away from construction sites);

Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption, and follow doctor's advice to supplement zinc, magnesium, B vitamins and other ear-protecting nutrients;

Massage the auricle and Fengchi acupoint to promote blood circulation in the ear;

Regular screening: Have a hearing test at least once a year, especially for those with concomitant kidney disease or retinopathy.

4. Ear protection tips (with self-test method)

"60-60-60" principle: headphone volume ≤ 60%, continuous use ≤ 60 minutes, wear earmuffs when ambient noise is > 60 decibels;

Ear cleaning: Do not use cotton swabs to clean your ears. Just gently wipe the external auditory canal after bathing.

Self-test hearing: It is normal if you can clearly hear the ticking sound of a watch within 30 cm.

Hearing health is an important cornerstone of communication and cognition. For diabetic patients, blood sugar control and ear protection need to be "two-pronged". Let us start from today, pay attention to blood sugar, stay away from noise, and conduct regular screening, and take action to protect this "silent happiness"!