Diabetes is strongly linked to hearing loss. In fact, people living with diabetes are two to three times more likely to experience hearing loss compared to those without diabetes. Hearing loss can have a significant effect on your life. It impacts your ability to communicate and participate in social situations, it can affect learning and job opportunities, and contribute to social isolation and mental health issues. It may also contribute to the development of dementia.

Signs of hearing loss 

• Having to ask others to repeat what they have said
• Difficulty hearing on the phone
• Needing others to face you when speaking
• Finding it hard to keep up with a conversation, especially when there is loud background noise
• Having the television or music on louder than others do
• Struggling to hear the high-pitched or softly spoken voices
• Pain or ringing in the ears 
• Discomfort with loud noises
• Having family and friends question you about whether you have a hearing problem

If you have more than two of the above symptoms, it is time for a hearing check. See your doctor. Loss of hearing can be permanent; however, if you receive timely suitable treatment it may not be. If you experience sudden hearing loss you must go to your local emergency department as soon as possible.   

What can cause hearing loss?  

• High blood glucose levels over time can affect your hearing by causing damage to the blood vessels and nerves you need for hearing. 
• Extreme exposure to noise in the workplace or during leisure activities.  
• Certain chemicals or medications including aspirin, cancer drugs and some antibiotics.  
• Ear infections or a head injury.  
• Hand to arm vibration. 
• A history of hearing loss in the family.  

What can you do? 

• Whatever your age, and regardless of your diabetes type, learn about the relationship between high blood glucose levels and hearing loss. See your healthcare team if you need help keeping your blood glucose levels in target range.  
• Protect yourself from harmful noises by using noise reduction aids such as mufflers. Limit time spent in noisy places. Generally, if you are one meter away from someone and you both need to shout over the noise, then the noise is too loud. It is potentially causing harm.  
• Get your hearing checked. Perform a basic screening check with a free online test. However, for a diagnosis an appointment is needed with an audiologist. If there is a loss of hearing the audiologist can prescribe the appropriate hearing aid. Make this assessment part of your yearly health checks.  

Hearing aids 

Medicare does not offer a subsidy for these devices. However, for eligible people, the Australian Government Hearing Services Program provides free access to hearing services including hearing assessments, information and support, hearing aids and fittings. To be eligible you will need a referral from your doctor and have one of the following: 

• Centrelink pensioner concession card  
• Centrelink sickness allowance 
• Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA) pensioner concession card  
• DVA Gold Health Repatriation Card 
• DVA White Health Repatriation Card (for hearing loss) 
• A dependant of a concession card holder 
• Member of the Australian Defence Force  
• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander over the age of 50 years 
• Children and young adults up to and including 25 years of age under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). 

For more information about this program go to www.hearingservices.gov.au, email [email protected] or call 1800 500 726. 

Hearing aid banks

Hearing aid banks sell donated and reconditioned hearing aids at a reduced price. The hearing aid bank was established to provide access to subsidised hearing aids for working age hearing impaired Australians who do not otherwise meet the eligibility criteria to subsidised hearing aids under the scheme run by the Australian government. Further information visit hearingaidbank.org.au.

Donate old and unused hearing aids to  companies that specialise in refurbishing them and providing hearing aids to those who cannot otherwise afford them. Such companies include Sound Fair Victoria and Recycled Sound

Funding for hearing aids may be possible for over 25-year-olds eligible for the National Disability Services Scheme (NDIS).   

Otherwise, check private health insurance policies for hearing aid cover.  

Hearing loss occurs in all ages for people living with diabetes. Although there are many causes for hearing loss, high blood glucose levels are a contributor. Preventing hearing loss is the key. Managing healthy blood glucose levels and having regular hearing checks by an audiologist should be part of your prevention plan.  

By Amanda Callaghan RN/RM/CDE