Are Diabetics twice as Likely to have a Hearing Loss?

It is not uncommon for hearing loss and health problems to go hand in hand. On the face of it this may seem obvious but even though we may readily acknowledge this fact, we don’t automatically link specific diseases to hearing loss or recognise that we may have a hearing loss.  It is thought that approximately 1 in 6 Australians have a hearing loss and the health causes of hearing loss are still being researched. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that diabetes, a prevalent health condition which is on the rise, may be linked to hearing loss. Approximately 1.7 million Australians have diabetes (www.diabetesaustralia, 2018), and studies recognize that “As diabetes becomes more common, the disease may become a more significant contributor to hearing loss.” (Dr Catherine Cowie NIH, 2008). Cowie also identified that the likelihood of adults with diabetes having a hearing loss doubled. This finding is also supported by various other studies all of which have indicated that hearing loss is in fact twice as likely to occur with the disease, diabetes. 

What is the Connection?

The precise link between hearing loss and diabetes is not yet fully understood, however, it is thought that having a high blood sugar level seems to increase the likelihood of developing hearing loss by as much as 30% (Dr Catherine Cowie NIH, 2008). This finding pertains to anyone who is either diabetic or in the process of developing the disease. It is not clear why this is the case, however, the most likely hypothesis considers what is already known about the damaging effect of having high blood glucose levels. When this happens the sugar or glucose levels become toxic. This glucotoxicity begins to break down different parts of your body’s organs including your nerves, arteries and blood vessels. The body’s healing reaction to fight this breakdown is to form plaque which can build up in your arteries. Of all the organs in your body, your kidneys are the most vulnerable to the effects of glucotoxicity. This is because your kidneys have to work extra hard to remove the glucose from your blood. The excess of glucose gradually destroys the kidney’s, which leads to dialysis. How all this relates to your hearing is still being researched, however, since the glucotoxicity effect from high blood sugar levels is known to damage blood vessels, nerves, arteries and organs, it is thought that this must therefore almost certainly apply to the blood vessels of the organ of hearing, known as the cochlear or inner ear; damaging the vessels and nerves and the nerve pathway from the inner ear to the brain (Lorenzi, 1992). The link between hearing loss and diabetes is clearly present and how this affects the hearing is also still being researched. However, studies around the world in Brazil, the United States of America, Australia and Asia have all had supporting results to strongly suggest that there is a very strong association between diabetes and hearing loss. 

Know the signs

It is important to arm yourself with a good knowledge of the disease if you are either a diabetic, or if you think that you may be pre-diabetic. If this is the case, it is important to understand that you may be at risk of hearing loss as a complicating factor of diabetes disease. In particular, there seems to be an increased risk of high frequency hearing loss (Vasilyeva et al, 2009). If you have not already done so, book an appointment with your audiologist. If you have never had a hearing test, or only recently been diagnosed with diabetes, or are pre-diabetic, it is very important to establish a base-line of your hearing, so that your hearing can be monitored over time. Make sure that you have regular hearing tests so that your audiologist can tell you if there are any changes in your hearing thresholds. This is very necessary so that, should you start to develop a hearing loss, your audiologist can discuss rehabilitation options with you before your hearing loss deteriorates too much (Vasilyeva et al, 2009).  

Prevention is better than Cure

The most common diabetes in adults is Type 2 and it is possible to avoid the onset of this disease and even reverse the condition, especially if pre-diabetic. It is important to know what the relationship is between your lifestyle and the onset of this disease and take active steps to avoid diabetes, which in turn will lower the risk of complicating factors such as hearing loss (www.nih.gov). The causes are varied but if you remember that disease is due to high blood sugar levels, we can look at a few things that trigger this. Diet is primary; carbohydrates increase your blood sugar levels, so try and reduce or avoid foods high in carbohydrates such as pasta and potatoes and sugary foods like sweets. Eating a healthy diet is essential and you can easily do this by introducing more vegetables and foods high in fibre. Other big risk factors for diabetes is obesity, being sedentary, and high blood pressure. Exercise is vital for good health and well being and also for keeping trim. Reducing alcohol intake and Regular exercise assists you in losing weight and will also help you to maintain a healthy blood pressure. If you smoke, try to reduce it until you have given it up. People who smoke greatly increase their risk for diabetes.  

Summary

The number of diabetes cases is increasing and it is known that if you have diabetes you double your chances of hearing loss. The reasons why having diabetes contributes to the complication of a hearing loss so significantly are not completely clear, however, we do know that very high blood sugar levels lead to glucotoxicity which breaks down the nerves, arteries, blood vessels and organs of the body. It is thought that in the same way glucotoxicity may very likely damage the blood vessels and nerves of the delicate mechanism of your inner ear, which will cause hearing loss. Taking positive steps to prevent this disease and even reverse it involves not only changing your lifestyle, but also to regularly check your hearing with your audiologist. You can do this every year just as you have an annual check-up with your general practitioner.

If you’re looking to get your hearing tested, trust Australia’s only hearing healthcare provider, Attune Hearing. With clinics nationwide, visit one of our friendly Audiologists for a professional hearing test to determine your level of hearing loss or to manage your hearing health. Contact Attune Hearing today. 

Do You Experience Visually-Evoked Auditory Response?

A little while back this popular gif of three telephone towers playing jump rope circulated the internet. The gif evoked a reaction from people from all over the world and polarised audiences to a “white and gold or blue and black dress” standard. Why? Because the gif consisted of zero sound yet many people could hear the thud of the middle telephone tower landing on the ground. So, how could this be?

While there is no scientific evidence consensus on this particular gif, many experts speculate that people are experiencing a phenomenon known as visually-evoked auditory response (vEAR). This involves the convergence of visual and auditory events, similarly to synesthesia – a condition where the experience of one sense triggers another. For example, seeing sounds and tasting numbers (yes, these are real examples). 

While not a lot is known about vEAR, it’s looking more common than originally believed with 21% of participants in one study claiming to experience this phenomenon. So, what is actually happening?

A plausible explanation is that our brain is filling in for sounds that don’t occur in our reality. Throughout our lives, we are exposed to many sounds created by certain movements: typing on a keyboard, footsteps on the ground, chatter with lip movements, the shattering of a glass when it’s dropped, and more. When we see an action with no sound accompanying it, it could be that our brains are still producing the accompanying sound, just inside of our own brains. 

Still, not much is known about this condition – especially as many people with varying degrees of hearing loss report a mixture of hearing the thud, feeling the thud, or hearing nothing at all. For now, this event remains in speculation. However, if you want to continue to test your vEAR, a subreddit community has emerged that posts “noisy gifs” that you may also hear. 

Other Hearing Troubles 

On the other hand, if you’re at the other end of the spectrum – seeing visuals accompanied with no sound – then your hearing troubles may be more understandable. If you’re experiencing hearing loss there may be many reasons as to why. As there are various types of hearing loss, the best way to get to the bottom of your symptoms is to go and see a professional by booking a hearing test. These are quick, pain-free, and easy to conduct. The sooner you book in a test, the sooner you can work towards getting your hearing back.

Attune’s team of experienced audiologists and experts provide the highest standard of care in hearing healthcare. With skill, expertise, and a dedication to each patient, Attune’s team works to vastly enhance the lives of those experiencing hearing loss. Book in your test with Attune by enquiring online today. 

What Type of Incidents Can Lead to Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss can occur as a result of many things. The causes of hearing loss can be environmental, physical, neurological, and sometimes just unknown. Some people are simply born with hearing loss, while others develop it over time. Whilst there is sometimes no way to predict or avoid this condition from occurring, there are some incidents that are well known to cause hearing loss. So, what are these incidents and what can you do to protect yourself?

Loud Noises

Remember when an elder would warn you about listening to your music too loud? Well, they were right. Frequent exposure to loud music (or generally, any loud noises) for extended periods of time can damage the cells and membranes in your cochlea, as they become overworked and begin to die. Unfortunately, this damage is permanent. To prevent damage to your hearing, use protective wear for your ears (earplugs or ear muffs) during exposure to loud noises.

Ear Wax Build Up

Ear wax, or cerumen, is a natural substance produced by the ear to protect it against dust, foreign particles, and bacteria. While our ears were designed to naturally rid themselves of excess ear wax (it typically makes it way out of the ear and falls out or is washed away), people often like to remove ear wax for hygienic purposes. Unsuitable methods of ear wax removal can cause ear wax to build up and block up ear canals. This causes temporary hearing loss. To prevent this from happening, avoid using cotton tips that push ear wax further into the ear. If you’re worried about excess ear wax build up, get a professional to clean out your ear.

Unhealthy Habits

There is a strong correlation between smoking and obesity, and hearing loss. Leading an unhealthy lifestyle prevents all parts of the body from functioning in their optimal condition; it also leads to slower recoveries from health conditions. To keep your ears healthy and functioning properly, keep your whole body in good health with a balanced diet and active lifestyle.

Physical Accidents

Skull fractures and brain injury can cause issues with your hearing, such as sensorineural hearing loss (affecting the way your brain perceives sound waves). Some accidents can also cause physical damage to the ear, which can contribute to hearing loss (like a perforated eardrum). If you’ve had a knock to the head and you’re noticing your hearing has decreased, see a hearing specialist. Sometimes these accidents are unavoidable; however, if you’re participating in any contact sport or extreme activities, you can ensure you’re wearing the appropriate protective gear.

When Hearing Loss is Unavoidable

While you can do your best to protect yourself from developing hearing loss with the right gear, sometimes due to genetics, age, or malformations, hearing loss is simply unavoidable. In that situation, the best thing you can do for your overall health is to ensure you are managing your condition with the best possible care and equipment.

Attune is here to support you throughout your hearing loss journey with high-quality services and medical care. Call to book an appointment today on 1300 736 702.

Is There A Difference Between In-ear Headphones And Over-ear Headphones When It Comes To Hearing Loss?

When it comes to using external devices for listening purposes, people are inundated with various options that can be used to plug into their phones, be used wirelessly for music or even Bluetooth for when you’re on the go. If you suffer from hearing loss however, the options can be narrowed and need a little more consideration when choosing a type of headphone or earphone. So what are the differences between the in-ear headphone and over-ear headphones, and which ones suit better for those that have hearing loss?

In-ear headphones

These devices, as the name suggests, goes directly inside the ear and funnels the sound down the ear canal. These are typically very portable and are small in size so you can easily take them with you wherever you go, especially if you use them for exercising. While some in-ear headphones still use cables, a majority of brands use wireless or Bluetooth technology which helps them sync seamlessly with your devices.

In-ear headphones, because a lot of them are cordless, have shorter battery life. This is an important factor to consider before purchasing in-ear headphones. Another key element to consider is comfort. The in-ear headphones usually come with varying sizes of attachable silicone buds to suit your ear size. This can be great because you can customise the in-ear headphones to be more comfortable and secure while you’re using them.

Over-ear headphones

Over-ear headphones are typically more chunky in size. They are designed to completely encase your ear and cover it to ensure no sound escapes and you are getting the best possible experience. A lot of musicians use over-hear headphones as they also tend to have better for noise-cancelling qualities and drown out background sounds. Because these headphones are bigger and usually have more capabilities, they can also be the most expensive option.

While a lot of the over-ear headphones have cords, they don’t need to be charged. However, with a lot of advancements in technology, there are more and more products that have wireless or Bluetooth capabilities while still enjoying the over-ear headphone benefits. These headphones are also quite comfortable. Usually, the headphones are made with a soft cushioning material that is covered with leather for protection and comfort. You also don’t have to worry about sticking anything into your ear.

For people with hearing loss, over-ear headphones might be a good option. They typically have better noise-cancelling capabilities and are comfortable for the wearer. However, it’s always important to consult your hearing aid specialist because they will be able to help find a tailored solution depending on the severity of your hearing loss.

If you’re looking to get a hearing test or would like to see someone about getting hearing aids, contact Attune Hearing. Attune Hearing is Australia’s only accredited hearing health care provider and has hearing clinics nationwide. Attune Hearing Audiologists conduct hearing aid test and can help you live your life to the fullest.

Easy Steps You Can Take To Protect Your Hearing

The ability to hear is vital a sense that we often take for granted, and don’t realise how much we rely on, on a day-to-day basis. Like our other senses like sight and taste, once they are gone, it is extremely difficult and sometimes impossible to regain, which is why it is so important to take care of them and ensure we can still hear as we get older. So what are some easy steps that you can take to protect your hearing?

1. Don’t have the volume too high when listening to music


When you listen to music, particularly with in-ear buds or earphones that surround your ear or go inside, it’s important not to set the volume too high or you could risk damaging your hearing.

2. Get a hearing test to check your hearing


One of the best ways to protect your hearing is to get it checked. Like the rest of your body, going for check-ups ensures that everything is working normally and there aren’t any issues.

3. Avoid long exposure to loud noises

If you work in a noisy environment like a construction site, this can be hard to avoid however you should be taking the right precautions like wearing ear muffs and other hearing protection to minimise the damage to your hearing. Your workplace should have safety measures put in place so ask them for help if you need. Another common place where people have long exposure to loud noises is concerts or music events. Avoid standing next to the speakers if you can.

4. Don’t use cotton buds

Cotton buds and other small instruments shouldn’t be poked into your ears. They can cause significant damage and also push ear wax further into your ear, causing your hearing to be muffled or obstructed.

If you are interested in learning more about hearing, or you need to get your hearing checked, consider going to a clinic that specialises in providing hearing tests. Attune Hearing is Australia’s only hearing healthcare provider and has professional audiologists that perform tests throughout their 60+ clinics nationwide. Book a hearing test at Attune Hearing today!

Does Ear Shape or Size Affect Your Hearing Ability?

Shape

Researcher, Dr Trapeau concluded in 2018 that changing the outer shape of your ear actually has the ability to change the way you hear. He found that adding a piece of silicone moulded to the participant’s ear meant that they heard the sound differently and said that it was coming from a different place to where the sound was originating from. However, when the testers used the silicone for a week and came back for testing, their results were back to normal which means that our brain adapts to our ear shape to help us hear better. So does this mean that the shape of our ears can change the way we hear?

A lot of tests have shown that the answer to this question is quite technical which has a lot to do with neuron activity, sound waves and other factors. However, the research study conducted by Dr Trapeau does, in fact, show that the shape of our ears can affect the way we hear, especially the way we experience spatial awareness.

Size

But it’s not quite that easy to change your ear shape which means the next variable to consider is the size of your ears. So do bigger ears help you hear better?

Essentially, the outside of the ear is called the pinna which serves to protect the inner ear and also guide sounds into the ear canal. However, the size of your ear doesn’t necessarily mean that you have better hearing. After all, what gives you the ability to hear are the little hairs in the inner part of your ear that send signals to your brain when sound waves interact and vibrate with the three tiny bones in the middle ear.

If you are interested in learning more about hearing, or you need to get your hearing checked, consider going to a clinic that specialises in providing hearing tests. Attune Hearing is Australia’s only hearing healthcare provider and has professional audiologists that perform tests throughout their 60+ clinics nationwide. Book a hearing test at Attune Hearing today!

Can you drive if you're deaf or have severe hearing loss?

Hearing loss can heavily impact you or your loved ones’ life. Whether it is simply replying to a question in close proximity, conversing in a group of people at a social event or even at work in a professional environment, hearing plays a vital role in your day-to-day life.

When it comes to driving, that’s a different story. Typically, you’d expect someone who is deaf or has severe hearing loss is not able to drive. According to Deafness Forum, hearing loss, if mild or moderate, doesn’t have a huge impact on your driving ability. People generally take more caution and rely on their other senses to be alert and be able to drive at the same ability as other drivers, however, it is recommended that hearing aids are always worn to improve the conditions for the driver. It is mentioned that there might be difficult for people with hearing loss to hear certain sirens and alerts such as for railway crossings.

If you need to drive for work, it is known that to be able to drive with an unconditional commercial licence, the person must be able to hear equal to or lower than 40db without any assistance from hearing aids.

A conditional licence might be allowed if the person they meet certain requirements like getting approval from an audiologist, passing a practical assessment or even the nature of the job that requires the driving.

However, if you are driving for personal reasons, driving with hearing loss or being deaf is not illegal. There are various steps you can to do improve your driving ability if you do have severe hearing loss. These include

• Having your vision checked by an audiologist at a qualified clinic
• Use wide-angled mirrors to increase the range of your vision so you can see more while you drive
• Minimise the amount of noise so that you can focus on driving with your other senses. This includes keeping the windows closed and radio off so the vibrations from the wind or music aren’t interfering with your driving. 
• Take advantage of in-car technology 

If you want to make an appointment to get your hearing tested, contact Attune Hearing today on 1300 736 702 with one of our qualified Audiologists.