In observance of November being National Diabetes Month, the Advanced Hearing Center, which has locations in Floral Park and Albertson, Long Island, will host discussions about the link between diabetes and hearing loss.
According to a 2008 study by the National Institutes of Health, individuals with diabetes are twice as likely to experience hearing loss than those who do not have diabetes. The study also found that the hearing loss can range from mild to moderate.
“If you’re diagnosed with diabetes, it is critical to get a baseline hearing screening at that time and then annually,” said Dr. Alison Hoffman, an audiologist and co-owner of Advanced Hearing Center.
The link between diabetes and hearing loss could be due to circulatory system changes, which decreases blood flow to peripheral blood vessels, including tiny inner ear arteries. It could also be the result of auditory nerve ending damage as a result of nervous system changes.
In order to raise awareness about this link and provide educational information, Advanced Hearing Center will hold two open houses and hearing health care seminars at its Albertson office, located at 1163 Willis Avenue. The first will be at 3 p.m. on Thursday, November 18 and the second at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 19.
Both will include a representative of the American Diabetes Association who will give health tips. The audiologist will also speak about hearing health care, signs and symptoms of hearing loss, the diabetes and hearing loss study, and taking care of hearing loss.
Reservations for the seminars can be made by calling 516-484-0811.
Throughout November, Advanced Hearing Center will also have recipes for those with diabetes available and, on Wednesdays, goodie bags of health snacks.
For more information on Advanced Hearing Center, visit www.ahearingcenter.com.
