Think diabetes only affects your eyes and kidneys? Study says 1 in 4 patients may face this hidden complication, shares Hyderabad doctor

For years, diabetes has been linked mainly with complications involving the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart. However, new research suggests that another important health concern may need attention: hearing loss. A Hyderabad neurologist has highlighted how high blood sugar levels could silently affect hearing, with studies suggesting that nearly one in four adults with diabetes may experience moderate-to-severe hearing loss. Experts say early awareness and timely screening could help protect quality of life.

Dr Sudhir Kumar, a renowned neurologist in Hyderabad, took to X and shared that one in four adults with type 2 diabetes could be suffering from hearing loss. He noted that while diabetes is widely known to affect vital organs, a new study indicates that it may also have an impact on hearing.

Sharing the key findings, Dr Kumar explained that nearly 1 in 4 adults with diabetes has moderate-to-severe hearing loss. He also highlighted that diabetes is associated with more than double the odds of clinically significant hearing loss compared with people who do not have diabetes.

What does the study say?

According to the study titled Hearing Loss in Adults With Diabetes and Prediabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, diabetes may impair hearing through microvascular damage and nerve-related complications. The research examined the prevalence and risk of moderate-to-severe hearing loss among people with diabetes and prediabetes, while also analysing factors such as age, diabetes duration and socioeconomic conditions.

The researchers reviewed observational studies published between 2000 and 2025 and analysed data from 29 studies. Most studies focused on type 2 diabetes, with one study including prediabetes cases. The analysis found that 23 studies involving 5,221 participants reported a pooled prevalence of 24% for moderate-to-severe hearing loss among adults with diabetes. Another finding showed that people with diabetes had more than double the likelihood of hearing loss compared with those without the condition.

Who are at a higher risk of hearing loss?

The risk appeared particularly significant among younger adults. The study found that individuals below 60 years had a higher risk of hearing loss compared with older adults.

Dr Kumar explained that diabetes-related hearing problems may occur due to multiple factors, including damage to tiny blood vessels supplying the cochlea, diabetic neuropathy affecting the auditory nerve, and chronic inflammation and oxidative stress that can damage hearing cells.

He advised people living with diabetes to focus on maintaining good glucose control and protecting their ears from excessive noise exposure. He also warned against ignoring signs such as difficulty following conversations or frequently increasing television volume. The neurologist suggested that people who have had diabetes for several years or notice hearing-related difficulties should consider undergoing a hearing evaluation.

The study concluded that hearing loss may be another microvascular complication associated with diabetes. Researchers suggested that routine hearing assessments could become an important part of diabetes care, especially for early detection and better management.

With diabetes cases continuing to rise worldwide, experts say paying attention to lesser-known complications could help people take preventive steps before small symptoms turn into bigger health challenges.