High-Frequency Hearing Sensitivity Level among Young Adults with Insulin-Dependent and Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood sugar levels. Patients of DM body cells are exposed to excessive amounts of plasma glucose, and the symptoms reported to complicate the sensory hearing organ. Spiral ganglion atrophy, vestibulocochlear nerve myelin sheath degradation, a reduction in the number of spiral lamina nerve fibres, and thickening of the stria vascularis and small arteries capillary walls are all potential chronic auditory repercussions of diabetes. The damage to any part of the hearing mechanism can lead to hearing loss. The present study aimed to investigate the high-frequency hearing sensitivity level among young adults diagnosed with Insulin-dependent and Non-Insulin dependent Diabetes Mellitus. It is an observational study design. Totally 90 participants were included between the age range of 31–40 years and divided into three groups (Control, Insulin-dependent DM, and Non-Insulin dependent DM). Each group had 30 participants. The results indicated that the hearing sensitivity level in high frequencies decreased when compared to lower frequencies. Most of the participants were observed to have reduced hearing sensitivity from mild to moderately severe sensorineural hearing loss. The study concluded that strong evidence that hearing loss may be a sign of DM.