Should We Screen Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus for Hearing Loss?

Several cross-sectional and longitudinal studies have proven that type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with hearing impairment. Hearing impairment is an independent risk factor for dementia, social withdrawal, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, functional decline, and falls. Although hearing impairment is common, 30% of individuals with hearing aids do not use them regularly and up to 75% of adults who could benefit from hearing aids do not even acquire hearing aids. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a baseline hearing evaluation upon diagnosis of diabetes and a complete audiological evaluation every 2 years following that. The American Speech-Language-earing Association and the World Health Organization's Guidelines on Integrated Care for Older People recommend screening and provision of amplification among older adults. Screening of patients with diabetes at high risk of developing hearing impairment should be considered to prevent the further worsening of quality of life associated with hearing loss. Questionnaires like Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly - Screening Version (HHIE-S) or single question screening can be used for the initial screening of patients with diabetes in resource-limited settings which can then be followed by complete audiological evaluation if the patients report having hearing loss.