In honor of Diabetes Alert Day, March 27 th , Miracle-Ear wants people to know that the signs of diabetes are not always visible. In fact, the American Diabetes Association has made a clear link between the disease and what you may or may not be able to hear.
"It is often an overlooked side effect, but hearing loss is quite prevalent in people who have diabetes," said Rebecca Younk, audiologist for Amplifon USA. "Although many people may accept diminished hearing as an inevitable part of aging, the condition may be a sign of a bigger medical complication."
A nationwide study conducted by the American Diabetes Association examined more than 5,100 adults and concluded that "people with diabetes were much more likely to have hearing loss than those without diabetes." High blood glucose levels from uncontrolled diabetes can, over time, damage small blood vessels that are critical to hearing.
According to Younk, there are a host of complications that can develop from untreated hearing loss ranging from a decrease in speech understanding to even depression and social isolation. It is estimated that one in 10 Americans - over 30 million people - experience some degree of hearing loss, although the typical person with symptoms waits an average of five years to see a health care professional for an evaluation. The good news is that nearly 95 percent of people who are diagnosed with hearing loss can benefit from a hearing aid, Younk said.
"Hearing tests are simple and pain free and should not intimidate people from inquiring about their hearing difficulties," said Younk. "That is why we encourage people to get tested. Diabetes Alert Day is an ideal time for local families to make a commitment to being proactive about their health. If you are concerned you may be suffering from diabetes, please see your physician."
amplifon
The Institute of Gender and Health (IGH)
The mandate of the IGH, one of 13 CIHR institutes, consists of supporting research on the way in which biological sex and gender (socio-cultural constructs) interact with other factors to impact on health and create different conditions with regard to risk factors and effective interventions for men and women in all stages of life. The IGH is comprised of researchers, scientists, community groups and private individuals from all over the world who are interested in questions related to health and gender.
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
The CIHRs are government of Canada organizations that fund health research. Their objective is to develop new scientific knowledge and encourage its application in order to improve health, offer better health products and services and strengthen the Canadian health system. Comprised of 13 institutes, the CIHRs provide leadership and support for almost 12,000 health researchers and interns across Canada.
Fernand-Seguin Research Centre of Louis-H. Lafontaine Hospital
Supported by the Fonds de la recherche en sant?İ du Qu?İbec, the Fernand-Seguin Research Centre of Louis-H. Lafontaine Hospital also enjoys a beneficial partnership with Rivi??re-des-Prairies Hospital and the Philippe-Pinel Institute of Montr?İal. On the cutting edge of knowledge, it is one of the most important mental health research sites in francophone Canada.
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