A large review of 29 different studies involving over 5,000 adults found a strong link between diabetes and hearing loss. The data showed that people with diabetes or prediabetes had more than double the odds of experiencing moderate-to-severe hearing loss compared to those without these conditions.
The risk appears particularly high for younger adults under age 60, who showed a much higher likelihood of hearing issues. Additionally, the study found that individuals in low- and middle-income countries faced a significantly higher risk than those in high-income countries. People diagnosed with diabetes for less than 10 years also showed an increased risk.
Because these findings come from observational studies, they show a link rather than a direct cause. The results suggest that hearing checks could be a helpful part of routine care for people managing diabetes. You should speak with your doctor to discuss how these findings relate to your specific health needs.
