Diabetes is a common health condition that can impact many aspects of your life. It can negatively affect your blood sugar levels and eyesight, as well as hearing health and mental well-being. If you’re managing diabetes in Clearwater, it’s important to take the necessary steps in order to manage your health and well-being and prevent further health conditions in the future.
It is estimated that adults with diabetes are twice as much at risk of developing hearing loss compared to those who don’t have diabetes. We’ll consider some of the links between diabetes and hearing loss and the steps that you can consider taking to reduce the risk of hearing loss and other health-related complications.
- Monitor Changes in Your Balance
Losing your balance can be one of the common signs of hearing loss. People who have diabetes may experience damaged blood vessels inside their ears, which can result in poor balance. Look out for any changes in your balance that could mean you are suffering from hearing loss and other hearing-related issues. If you feel like you are more unstable than you used to be, consider visiting your doctor or other health professionals to check whether there are any developing problems. - Quit Smoking
Smoking can exacerbate symptoms of diabetes, and in the longer term, this can increase your risk of developing hearing loss. If you are a frequent smoker, take steps to quit or reduce the number of times you smoke each day. Cutting down on the number of cigarettes you smoke could help you to manage the symptoms of diabetes more effectively, even if you don’t feel ready to quit fully yet. Consider vaping and other alternatives that can help you to quit smoking in a phased manner. - Go for Regular Check-ups
When you have diabetes and other underlying health conditions, it’s more important than ever to go for regular health check-ups. This includes hearing check-ups that can help to identify problems like hearing loss when they are in the earlier stages. Identifying problems early and taking steps to treat them can help you to manage symptoms of hearing loss and diabetes that could otherwise impact your life even further. - Maintain a Healthy Weight
Staying active, eating well, and maintaining a healthy weight can help you to manage the symptoms of diabetes and reduce the risk of hearing-related problems. When you are carrying excess weight, it is more difficult for blood to reach all areas of your body effectively. Failure to reach your ears with enough blood and oxygen could leave you more exposed to hearing loss and other problems later on. - Reduce Infections
Taking steps to reduce ear infections is even more important if you suffer from diabetes. Diabetes can make your earwax less acidic and lead to an increased risk of infections. This includes infections in the outer and inner ear canal, which can cause pain, damage, and long-term health problems. Severe or repeated ear infections could lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss that will impact many areas of your life in a negative way.
Looking After Your Hearing Health
Taking care of your ears and maintaining good hearing health should be a priority for everyone, especially people who suffer from diabetes and other underlying health conditions. The risk of hearing loss and other problems may be higher if you have diabetes, so monitoring your condition and taking the necessary steps to prevent further issues is essential. You can find specialized and professional support in Clearwater from Countryside Hearing Aid Services.
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