Diabetes and Hearing Impairment: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among Providers and Patients

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices among providers and patients regarding hearing impairment and screening referrals in people with diabetes. Methods A cross-sectional survey design among health care providers and patients at an academic medical center in Oklahoma was used to gather knowledge, attitudes, and practices data. Results Only 25.6% of providers selected hearing impairment as a complication of diabetes, whereas 96.7% selected retinopathy, kidney dysfunction, and foot infection. Reported barriers to referring patients for hearing impairment screenings were being unfamiliar with recommended screening frequency (57.3%) and existence of higher priorities (35.4%). When asked to select parts of the body affected by diabetes, 21.0% of patients surveyed selected ears, 88.0% selected feet, and 85.0% selected eyes and kidneys. Fewer patients reported being told hearing impairment is a complication of diabetes compared to retinopathy (8.1% vs 85.9%). Additionally, 24.2% of patients reported having a hearing impairment screening, and 96.0% reported having a dilated eye exam. Conclusions Most providers and patients at an academic medical center are unaware of the relationship between diabetes and hearing impairment. Providers reported there are several barriers that need to be overcome to refer patients to audiologists.