3^rd European Otolaryngology-ENT Surgery Conference

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a non-communicable, chronic metabolic disease with abnormal blood glucose levels caused by relative or absolute insulin deficiency. Long-standing diabetes can manifest a wide range of irreversible medical complications which can practically affect every organ of the body. Diabetes is an important etiological factor for hearing impairment. The relation between hearing loss and diabetes mellitus appears as a controversial topic as different studies have given conflicting results. Therefore we did an observational study to find out the status of hearing in diabetic patients. Audiological examination and Pure tone audiometry was done which revealed high frequency mild sensorineural hearing loss in majority of patients. Special hearing tests were also done to differentiate between cochlear and retro cochlear pathology. Significant association of hearing loss was seen with the severity of diabetes, but no association was found with the duration of diabetes. Thus we conclude that along with screening the diabetics for retinopathy, neuropathy and nephropathy, auditory screening should also be done. Timely detection of hearing loss may prevent further loss by controlling the sugar levels in the diabetics.