Prevalence of Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Young Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus - An Observational Study

Abstract

Background: Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is an under-recognized complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Chronic hyperglycemia can lead to microangiopathy, neuropathy, and oxidative stress affecting cochlear structures. Early-onset T2DM in young adults may predispose patients to early auditory dysfunction. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of SNHL among young adults with T2DM and evaluate associated factors including age, sex, duration of diabetes, and glycemic control.

Methods: A hospital-based observational descriptive study was conducted among 95 patients aged 18–40 years with T2DM attending the Departments of ENT and Endocrinology at Travancore Medical College, Kollam. Consecutive sampling was used. Hearing assessment was performed using pure tone audiometry, and hearing loss was classified according to WHO criteria. HbA1c values and clinical variables were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square test and Pearson correlation analysis.

Results: The prevalence of SNHL among young adults with T2DM was 52.6%. Mild SNHL was the most common form (72%), followed by moderate (22%) and moderately severe hearing loss (6%). Patients aged 30–40 years demonstrated significantly higher prevalence of SNHL compared to those aged 20–30 years (p=0.001). Duration of diabetes and poor glycemic control were significantly associated with hearing loss. A strong positive correlation was observed between HbA1c levels and degree of hearing loss (r=0.833). No statistically significant association was observed between gender and SNHL.

Conclusion: SNHL is highly prevalent among young adults with T2DM and is strongly associated with poor glycemic control and longer disease duration. Routine audiological screening should be considered in diabetic care protocols for early identification and intervention.