What is Hearing Loss Related to Diabetes
Hearing loss is more common in people with diabetes compared to those without. Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels and nerves of the inner ear, leading to gradual hearing decline. Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes increase the risk.Hearing loss is more common in people with diabetes compared to those without. Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels and nerves of the inner ear, leading to gradual hearing decline. Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes increase the risk.
Causes
Nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy): High sugar levels damage the auditory nerves.
- Blood vessel damage: Tiny vessels supplying the inner ear get weakened.
- Chronic high blood sugar: Leads to slow degeneration of hearing mechanisms.
- Other linked issues: High blood pressure, cholesterol, or age can worsen hearing loss in diabetics.
Symptoms
Difficulty in hearing conversations, especially in noisy places
- Needing higher TV/radio volume
- Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
- Ringing/buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Feeling isolated or socially withdrawn due to poor hearing
Complications
- Social isolation, depression
- Communication problems in personal and professional life
- Increased risk of accidents due to reduced awareness of sounds
- Worsening quality of life
Homeopathic Approach
Homeopathy views hearing loss in diabetes as a result of nerve and vessel damage, and remedies are selected based on individual symptoms. The focus is on controlling diabetes, improving circulation, and supporting nerve health.
Some important remedies (selected on totality):
- Phosphorus – Hearing weakness with buzzing/ringing; oversensitivity to sounds.
- China (Cinchona officinalis) – Hearing loss after weakness, nervous exhaustion, or long-term illness.
- Salicylic acid – Tinnitus with dizziness; often linked to nerve damage.
- Chininum sulphuricum – Progressive nerve-related hearing loss with constant ringing.
- Graphites – Gradual deafness in elderly diabetics, often with dry skin problems.
Along with remedies, diabetes control, lifestyle management, and regular ENT check-ups are very important.
