Email from HDI High Definition Impressions

November 2025

• DIABETES •

With supportive intent, our Practice continually aims to provide reputable information about how hearing loss relates to various medical conditions. You and your loved ones deserve to know educational alignment with Public Health campaigns amplifies awareness waves.

As highlighted here:

“November is American Diabetes Month^®, but this isn’t a time to celebrate. It’s a time to rally against the diabetes epidemic. Join us to uplift your loved ones living with diabetes and help all those in need across America.”

The Epidemic descriptor reflect trends that for U.S. adults 18 or older, diabetes prevalence has rapidly increased, with an estimated:*

#1. 37.3 million having it, 28.7 million diagnosed and 1 in 5 unaware.

#2. 96 million living with prediabetes, almost 30% whom are ages 65 or older.

#3. High blood sugar levels may damage the inner ear’s small blood vessels and nerves, diminishing hearing capabilities.

Realizing alarming statistics, consider Diabetes connections…

For those living with or concerned about Hearing Loss, medical associations are profoundly relevant, and one thing can raise alertness about another.

*https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/priorities/diabetes-interventions.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/programs-impact/pop/diabetes.htm

As patients commonly learn about diabetes’ impacts from primary care providers, cardiologists, eye doctors or podiatrists, more should hear the facts from hearing care professionals. Did you know hearing loss occurs almost twice as often in adults who have diabetes than in those who do not? While many know how circulatory issues affect heart health, it is crucial to discover how they can progressively impact cochlear anatomy and function. Research indicates high blood sugar levels may damage the inner ear’s small blood vessels and nerves, diminishing hearing capabilities.

*Pen and ink drawing by Dr. Max Brödel Photoshop CS modification of original drawing by: Dr. Barbara A. Bohne Washington University | Department of Otolaryngology

Well-respected research details Twice As Likely:

“The current meta-analysis indicated that hearing impairment in subjects with diabetes was 2.1-fold more prevalent than in those without diabetes. The significant association between hearing impairment and diabetes was maintained throughout several subgroup-stratified analyses.” ¹

To encourage baseline hearing tests at younger ages, further results indicated:

“A statistically stronger association between hearing impairment and diabetes incidence was observed in the younger participants (mean age of participants, ≤ 60 yr) in comparison with those over 60 yr, and the difference was statistically significant [2.61 (95% CI = 2.00 –3.45) and 1.58 (95% CI = 1.38 –1.81), P = 0.008].” ¹

In other words, 2.61x and 1.58x more likely, with Confidence Intervals (CI) in those ranges.

¹ Horikawa C, Kodama S, Tanaka S, Fujihara K, Hirasawa R, Yachi Y, Shimano H, Yamada N, Saito K, Sone H. Diabetes and risk of hearing impairment in adults: a meta-analysis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2013 Jan;98(1):51-8. doi: 10.1210/jc.2012-2119. Epub 2012 Nov 12. PMID: 23150692.

Let’s shed light on this causal relationship, which all too often, remains a Hidden Connection.

Since analogies can illuminate complex subjects, think about your city’s Power Grid, often taken for granted.

For a switch in understanding diabetes’ relationship to hearing loss, imagine the human body as a bustling city an all-encompassing circulatory system with its intricate power grid. In this comparison, your:

heart is the main power plant, pumping energy (blood) citywide.

blood vessels are power lines, delivering vital energy to every (organ and tissue) neighborhood.

inner ear’s delicate structures are high-tech districts requiring stable power supplies to ensure peak performance.

Now, picture what occurs when diabetes pervades the circulatory scenes. Over time, systemic power surges may damage insulation on power (blood vessel) lines and overload sensitive (nerves) equipment. By analogy:

Just as frayed power lines can't transport electricity efficiently, damaged blood vessels struggle to adequately deliver non-toxic blood flow to inner ears.

Like sensitive electronics damaged by power fluctuations, your ears’ delicate nerve structures (cochlea) can be harmed by high blood sugar levels.

Ongoing stress on the city's electrical infrastructure (circulatory and nervous systems) can eventually lead to struggles in your high-tech (hearing) district.

Similar to city planners reinforcing power grids and protecting sensitive areas, managing diabetes and monitoring hearing health will facilitate maintaining essential systems that keep your “auditory city" running smoothly.

While we take your hearing care seriously, a little laughter goes a long way.

Good Humor, Healthy Hearing

Do you have diabetes or family history that increases risks of diabetes-related hearing loss? Given daily challenges with having diabetes or caring for loved ones, communicating effectively is vital.

Please see us for periodic evaluations to monitor your type and degree of hearing loss. In close coordination with other healthcare providers, including primary care or endocrinologists, we will suggest healthy ways to reduce risks of inner ear damage, hear best and improve quality of life. Indeed, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

🎧 Tune In to Our Podcast!

We’re excited to share our podcast, where we dive into the latest in hearing health, patient stories, and tips for better hearing.

👉 Stay In the Loop with the Latest in Hearing Health

Visit Our Podcast Episode Page

VISIT OUR NEW LOCATION

Exciting news! Focus Hearing has expanded, and we're thrilled to announce our new location. New office, same exceptional hearing care!

7500 W. 160th St, Ste 103

Stilwell, KS 66085

(913) 600-4619

Our Patients Say It Best

“I was a walk-in from out of town with a broken hearing aid. Shannon and the team at Focus Hearing took excellent and immediate care of my issue. I can’t thank them enough! Great group of professionals!”

— Janet C.