Comorbidities

Hearing Health and Diabetes: What Health Plans Need to Know

Over 38 million Americans have diabetes, which increases their risk of hearing loss.

Last update on Aug, 23, 2024

Is your organization serious about putting a dent in diabetes — one of the most costly conditions in the U.S.? If so, you need every tool at your disposal to prevent or delay the disease for your members.

Diabetes, hearing loss and related health conditions are in the spotlight as more research has uncovered the startling truth about this health condition.

Diabetes is one of the country’s most devastating diseases, in large part because it can lead to cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, kidney damage, and other life-threatening health concerns.

The Link Between Hearing Loss and Diabetes

While most people are aware of the impact of diabetes on vision, what do diabetes and hearing loss have to do with one another? High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves and blood vessels in the inner ear. Diabetics are also at higher risk for sudden hearing loss than the general population.

According to the CDC, hearing loss is twice as common in people who have diabetes versus their same-aged peers who don’t. In contrast, diabetic retinopathy, or vision loss due to diabetes, affects up to 21% of diabetics. Individuals with prediabetes have a 30% higher rate of hearing loss than people with normal blood sugar levels.

The Nurses’ Health Study involving 139,909 women found that type 2 diabetes increased the risk for moderate to severe hearing loss. The results suggested that the risk was higher the longer participants had diabetes.

The Financial Burden of Diabetes and Hearing Loss

Increasing costs for both health insurers and employers are cause for concern. Below are some recent statistics surrounding the financial impact of diabetes in the U.S:

For health Insurers

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) estimated the total cost of diagnosed diabetes in the U.S. in 2022 is $412.9 billion, with $306.6 billion in direct medical costs and $106.3 billion in indirect costs attributable to diabetes. The ADA also reports that spending on insulin has tripled in the last 10 years.

For employers

It was also noted that presenteeism, or reduced work productivity, accounts for $35.8 billion in annual indirect costs. Absenteeism, or missed workdays, accounts for $5.4 billion in annual indirect costs.

How does diabetes affect workforce participation? The ADA highlighted that if people with diabetes participated in the workforce like peers without diabetes, there would be 2 million more people between the ages of 18 and 65 in the workforce.

How Can Health Plans and Employers Make a Difference?

As the evidence of a diabetes-to-hearing-loss connection continues to grow, the question becomes, what does this mean for health insurance companies and employers?

Because hearing loss is a possible indicator of diabetes or pre-diabetes, a hearing evaluation may augment efforts to identify individuals who haven’t yet been diagnosed with the disease.

As a health insurer or employer, you can improve access to hearing health care services, including audiological testing, by offering a hearing benefit or hearing care program. At the same time, you’ll make hearing aids and related services more affordable for members or employees who need hearing help.

Below are some preventative measures you can take to address any potential risks resulting from hearing loss and diabetes with your members:

Encourage your members or employees to take advantage of our free virtual screening from the comfort of their home.
Educate your members on how to get their hearing tested regularly.
Encourage members who are diagnosed with diabetes to consider screening for hearing loss regularly as they are at a higher risk for hearing loss.
Those who are diagnosed with hearing loss should consider screening for diabetes or pre-diabetes, especially if they have one or more risk factors, such as being overweight, family history of the disease and/or physical inactivity.

Talk to an Expert

Together, we can create a positive impact for our members and communities. At Amplifon Hearing Health Care, we’re deeply committed to providing comprehensive solutions tailored to your organization and members. For more information or assistance with designing and implementing a hearing benefit for your organization, contact us to schedule a demo today.

Talk to an Expert