Tinnitus & Diabetes: Is There a Connection?

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“Have you noticed a persistent ringing in your ears and wondered if your diabetes might be to blame? You’re not alone.”

Did you know?
"In 2023, 9.4% of Canadians—3.7 million people—had diagnosed diabetes. With over 549 new cases diagnosed daily, the number of people affected continues to grow."

Tinnitus—the perception of ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears—is a frustrating condition that affects millions. While tinnitus can have many causes, research shows a strong link between diabetes and hearing issues, including tinnitus. If you or a loved one have diabetes, understanding this connection is key to protecting your hearing health.

How Diabetes Affects the Inner Ear & Causes Tinnitus

Hearing and balance rely on a delicate system of nerves, blood flow, and glucose regulation within the inner ear. When diabetes disrupts these processes, it can lead to tinnitus, hearing loss, or balance issues.

1. High Blood Sugar & Nerve Damage

• The eighth cranial nerve, responsible for hearing and balance, can be damaged by prolonged high blood sugar levels.
• Research shows that people with diabetes are twice as likely to experience hearing loss, making tinnitus a common early warning sign.

Statistic:
"Over 6% of Canadian adults have prediabetes, putting them at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes—and potentially tinnitus as well."

*Source: HealthMatch – Can Diabetes Cause Ringing in My Ears?

2. Poor Blood Circulation & High Blood Pressure

• Diabetes can damage blood vessels in the inner ear, reducing oxygen supply and leading to tinnitus.
• High blood pressure, common in diabetics, further restricts blood flow to the ears, worsening symptoms.

🔗 Source: Columbus Speech and Hearing – How Does Diabetes Affect Hearing?

3. Insulin Levels & Inner Ear Function

• Abnormal insulin levels impact how the inner ear processes glucose, affecting nerve function and sound perception.
• Some doctors believe that diabetes-related metabolic issues increase the risk of tinnitus and balance disorders.

Statistic: "With Canada’s aging population, the number of people affected by diabetes and related conditions like tinnitus is expected to increase." Source: Dr. Mark Vanderpump – Diabetes and Tinnitus

Other Diabetes-Related Hearing Issues

Tinnitus isn’t the only hearing-related complication linked to diabetes.

• Hearing Loss & Diabetes:
  • Studies show that people with diabetes are twice as likely to develop hearing loss compared to those without diabetes.
• Balance Disorders & Dizziness:
  • Damage to the vestibular system (inner ear) can lead to dizziness and an increased risk of falls.

These findings highlight the importance of early intervention—the sooner you address tinnitus or hearing concerns, the better your chances of preventing further damage.

Who Is at a Higher Risk for Tinnitus?

Tinnitus can affect anyone, but some people are more likely to develop it—especially if certain risk factors are present. While tinnitus may be temporary for some, it can become chronic and persistent for others.

You may be at a higher risk for tinnitus if you:

• Are over 55 → Age-related hearing changes increase the likelihood of tinnitus.
• Are male → Studies suggest men are more prone to tinnitus than women.
• Work in a loud environment → Construction workers, welders, military veterans, and musicians face greater exposure to damaging noise levels.
• Use tobacco or alcohol frequently → Both have been linked to worsening tinnitus symptoms.
• Have cardiovascular issues → High blood pressure and poor circulation can reduce oxygen flow to the inner ear.
• Are overweight or have diabetes → Conditions affecting blood sugar and metabolism can impact nerve function, including in the ears.

If any of these apply to you, it’s worth paying extra attention to your hearing health—and taking steps to protect it!

Managing Tinnitus & Hearing Loss if You Have Diabetes

The good news? There are steps you can take to protect your hearing and manage tinnitus.

1. Control Blood Sugar Levels

• Keeping your blood sugar stable can reduce nerve and vascular damage in the ears.
• If you have prediabetes, managing glucose levels now may prevent hearing issues later.

2. Get Your Hearing Checked Regularly

• Diabetes increases the risk of hearing loss, so it’s crucial to get your hearing tested early.
• Call us now to book an appointment: [Your Phone Number]
• Or use our Hearing Test Booking Form to schedule online.

3. Protect Your Ears in Noisy Environments

• Wear earplugs when exposed to loud sounds at concerts, job sites, or crowded spaces.

4. Give Your Ears a Break

• Spend time in quiet environments to rest your ears and reduce tinnitus aggravation.

5. Talk to Your Doctor About Tinnitus & Hearing Loss

• Ask about treatment options, including:
  • Tinnitus maskers (sound therapy to reduce perception).
  • Hearing aids (with tinnitus relief features).
  • Blood circulation support medications (if appropriate).
• Learn more about tinnitus treatments from HealthMatch

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Address Tinnitus Early For Best Results

Diabetes can contribute to tinnitus, but it’s not always the main cause. However, if you have diabetes and are experiencing ringing in your ears, it’s important to get your hearing checked regularly and discuss any concerns with your doctor.

For some, tinnitus is temporary or caused by treatable conditions like earwax buildup or medication side effects. But in chronic cases, tinnitus may require long-term management strategies.

While there is no cure for chronic tinnitus, many people find relief through sound therapy, hearing aids, and lifestyle adjustments. The right approach can help reduce symptoms and bring back the clarity and peace you deserve.

Don’t ignore the signs!

If you have diabetes and experience tinnitus, a hearing test can help detect early hearing loss and provide solutions to reduce your symptoms.

Take Control of Your Hearing and Tinnitus Today

At Polo Park Hearing Centre, our Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialists, Candice Holden and Kerry Holden, hold Tinnitus Care Provider Certificates from the International Hearing Society. With extensive training in tinnitus physiology, psychology, measurement, and management, they are equipped to address all types of hearing loss and tinnitus, including cases related to diabetes.

Whether your hearing challenges are due to aging, noise exposure, medical conditions, or diabetes, we provide personalized solutions to help you find relief.

Don’t wait—early action makes a difference! Schedule a hearing test today and let’s work together to improve your hearing and quality of life. Call (204) 788-1083 or book your appointment online now!

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More Facts About Diabetes - Hearing Loss & Tinitus

What We Know About Diabetes and Tinnitus:

1. People with diabetes are twice as likely to have hearing loss compared to those without diabetes (National Institutes of Health).
2. High blood sugar levels can damage the eighth cranial nerve, which plays a role in hearing and balance.
3. Diabetes causes poor circulation, reducing oxygen supply to the inner ear, which may trigger or worsen tinnitus.
4. Abnormal insulin levels affect glucose metabolism in the ear, possibly leading to tinnitus symptoms.

What Experts Say:

• American Diabetes Association (ADA): Diabetes is a risk factor for hearing loss, though more research is needed to confirm tinnitus as a direct consequence.
• National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD): Studies suggest a strong association between diabetes and hearing problems, but tinnitus remains an area needing further research.
• Medical studies suggest tinnitus may be a symptom of diabetic neuropathy, but tinnitus can also result from other factors like noise exposure, stress, or cardiovascular conditions.