Exploring the association of hearing loss with diabetes mellitus: A critical review

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is quickly growing in the U.S. population, and among these individuals, many suffer from auditory impairment of increased severity compared with healthy individuals without diabetes. Clinical implications of diabetes mellitus and its affect on the auditory system have been widely recognized in the literature. This article reviews current evidence detailing the association between hearing loss and diabetes mellitus. Traditional and novel methods used in research of this association will be discussed, and descriptions for general audiological precautions for diabetic patients will be outlined. Although controversy exists in the literature, knowledge of the possible audiological aspects of the diabetic individual is paramount and exceedingly relevant to audiological practice as this population continues to increase. Continued research will provide further insight for which specific audiological management of these patients may be established.