If you think you need digital hearing aids, you might need to hurry up and get some. According to the World Health Organization’s fact sheet on deafness and hearing loss, updated this month, the current production of digital hearing aids only meets 10 percent of global needs.
Consumers of Digital Hearing Aids: Diabetes and Hearing Loss
The WHO report states that over five percent of the world’s population, or about 360 million people, have disabling hearing loss. Many of these people come from low- and middle-income countries.
However, those with diabetes – more than 300 million worldwide – may also be at greater risk for hearing loss.
A study conducted in November, and highlighted this week in anticipation of American Diabetes Association Alert Day, showed a consistent correlation between diabetes and hearing loss, regardless of the age of the subjects.
Old and Young Affected Alike: the Need for Digital Hearing Aids
The study was conducted via a meta-analysis of 13 research studies, and the results were not influenced significantly by either age, gender, or whether those who had been chronically exposed to loud environments were excluded.
The study did find, however, that younger diabetics have a greater chance of having hearing impairment than those older than 60.
Diabetes can cause damage to blood vessels due to atherosclerosis or hypertension. With diabetics, the typical visit to the physician’s office usually focuses on monitoring for signs of blood vessel damage, particularly in the eyes and feet; however, the ears are usually overlooked.
It is important to assess hearing ability and acquire hearing aids to prevent further damage.
Digital Hearing Aids: A Hot Accessory
Many hesitate to buy hearing aids, reticent about visibly calling attention to their impairment. However, hearing aids today are smaller and trendier than ever, coming in varied sizes and colors made possible with new discoveries in technology.
Audicus offers In-the-Ear Digital Hearing Aids, which can fit inside the ear canal and are hidden from view. Maybe that’s why they’ve become such a hot commodity of late.