Expert: Diabetes sufferers more likely to suffer hearing loss

People who suffer from diabetes are more than twice as likely to suffer from hearing loss, an expert warned today.

An audiologist said while over 200,000 people with the condition are at risk of having a hearing problem, regular checks are not part of its care.

Keith Ross, of Hidden Hearing, said it is vital diabetics are aware of related hearing loss so they take action and preserve their health and quality of life.

To mark World Diabetes Day next Saturday, the company will give free hearing screening tests at its 56 branches and at a mobile clinic in Dublin, Cork, Kilkenny, Offaly, Carlow and Waterford. For details visit www.hiddenhearing.ie

“While diabetic patients receive regular vision check-ups, having their hearing checked is also essential, given the increased risks,” said Mr Ross.

“Ignoring hearing loss can have profound negative effects on people’s quality of life and overall well-being and can lead to less social interaction, lack of confidence, isolation, depression and irritability.”

Boots will also be offering free diabetes screening in its pharmacy stores throughout Ireland this Saturday. Last year over 2,000 people availed of the complimentary test.

While an estimated 200,000 people in Ireland have type 2 diabetes – which accounts for 90% of diabetes cases – a further 100,000 have high blood glucose levels and will only be diagnosed with diabetes when they present to a doctor or hospital with a complication of diabetes.

This figure is expected to double in the next ten years due to the current trends of increasing obesity levels, a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes.

Boots chief pharmacist Mary Rose Burke said the earlier diabetes is detected, the easier it will be to manage.

“Many of those with the condition remain undiagnosed and Boots hopes to address this by offering free diabetes screening in our stores,” she said.

“Anyone who wishes to have their blood glucose tested that day is very welcome at any of our Boots pharmacies where our pharmacy team will be on hand to answer any questions people may have about diabetes or indeed any other health conditions.”