Ear problems should not be underestimated, as they may be a warning sign of some serious diseases, such as diabetes. In the following report,       Dalili Medical presents a presentation of diabetes symptoms related to the ear.

**Diabetes and ear infection**

 

This disease is of great importance, as it is usually diagnosed through the medical history and symptoms presented by the patient, in addition to a clinical examination. A sample of ear secretions is taken for a laboratory culture to determine the type of microbe and the appropriate antibiotic for treatment. If there is suspicion of the spread of the infection internally, a set of x-rays and blood tests are performed to help confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the disease.

Does diabetes affect the ear?

 

High blood sugar levels, which diabetics suffer from, can damage the small blood vessels in the inner ear, making hearing more difficult. A study showed that 54% of diabetics suffer from slight hearing loss, especially in the ability to hear high-frequency sounds.

Does insulin resistance cause tinnitus?

 

When you have diabetes, your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or use it properly to transport glucose (blood sugar) into your cells for fuel. This can lead to ringing in the ears, which increases your risk of tinnitus and hearing loss, as your inner ear relies on a steady supply of oxygen and glucose.

**Is tinnitus a sign of high blood sugar?**

 

Changes in blood flow can cause or make tinnitus more pronounced. Other chronic health conditions are also linked. Diabetes, thyroid problems, migraines, anemia, and autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus have all been linked to tinnitus.

**Are people with diabetes at higher risk for ear infections?**

 

People with diabetes are more likely to get ear infections. The poor blood flow caused by diabetes increases your risk of developing these infections. If you have problems with ear infections, you may need more aggressive treatments.

**Can Diabetes Cause Inner Ear Problems?**

 

Diabetes can cause nerve damage that affects multiple parts of the body, including the ears. Diabetes can affect how nerve signals travel from the inner ear to the brain, which can lead to hearing loss. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the small blood vessels and nerves in the inner ear.

Does eating too much sugar cause tinnitus?

 

Excessive consumption of foods high in sugar can affect brain function, making it difficult to regulate activity in the nervous system. This can lead to tinnitus until the brain regains its normal balance. Some people may experience increased levels of insulin in the blood.

Is tinnitus linked to diabetes?

 

Tinnitus is not usually a common symptom of diabetes, but it appears that diabetes may contribute to or worsen it. However, diabetes is not a major cause of tinnitus. Tinnitus can also be a result of hearing loss, and diabetes can lead to problems with hearing and balance.

Is ear pain a symptom of diabetes?

 

Infections and problems with the ear, nose, and throat can be common symptoms associated with diabetes.

**How ​​does diabetes contribute to malignant otitis externa?**

 

Malignant otitis externa, also known as necrotizing otitis externa, occurs primarily in people with diabetes who are over the age of 35. It is often caused by the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The infection begins in the external auditory canal and then spreads to the surrounding soft tissue, cartilage, and bone.

**Does eating sugar cause ear pain?**

 

Eating sweets can cause a rapid and temporary spike in blood sugar levels in some people, even if they are not aware of problems with insulin or glucose. This increase in sugar levels can have temporary effects on the structures of the inner ear, which can cause or worsen tinnitus in people who already have tinnitus.

**What type of hearing loss is associated with diabetes?**

 

The most common type of hearing loss in people with type 2 diabetes is age-related hearing loss, which is bilateral high-frequency, sensorineural hearing loss. This loss is usually permanent and develops gradually.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

 

Common symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst and frequent urination. This is caused by excess sugar, known as glucose, building up in the blood, forcing the kidneys to work harder to filter and absorb this sugar. When the kidneys can’t process this excess sugar, it’s excreted through the urine, causing fluid loss from the body’s tissues.

Can eating sugar cause tinnitus?

 

Eating foods high in sugar can cause high blood glucose levels, which can contribute to worsening tinnitus.

Are diabetics more susceptible to ear infections?

 

Yes, diabetics are more susceptible to ear infections, due to poor blood flow, which increases the risk of infection. If you have problems with ear infections, you may need more aggressive treatments.

Can low blood sugar cause tinnitus?

 

Symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, dizziness, headache, ringing in the ears, cold sweats and other signs of the body's "fight or flight" response are indicators of low blood sugar.

**Symptoms:**

-Swelling and redness around and behind the ear.

- Fever.

- Itching in the ear area.

- Persistent ear pain, especially when touching or pulling the earlobe, without affecting the sense of hearing. Over time, the pain may develop to become severe and extend to the face, head or neck.

- Fluid or pus coming out of the ear.

- As the condition progresses, hearing problems and swollen lymph nodes under the ear may occur.

**Ear symptoms that indicate diabetes**

**Ear infections** High blood sugar levels negatively affect blood flow to the ear, reducing the effectiveness of the immune system and increasing the risk of ear infections.

**Tinnitus** Tinnitus, which is a ringing sound in one or both ears, is a symptom associated with type 1 or 2 diabetes. The inner ear, or cochlea, relies on oxygen and glucose in the blood to function properly, so diabetes affects glucose delivery due to abnormal insulin levels, which can lead to tinnitus.

**Loss of balance** The vestibular system, which is responsible for maintaining balance, can be affected by diabetes, leading to balance disorders and an increased risk of falling.

**Hearing loss** Specialized cells in the cochlea, which is responsible for hearing, are damaged by high glucose levels, leading to mild to moderate hearing loss. Assistive technologies, such as hearing aids, can help restore hearing.

**Treatment**

- It is very important to maintain stable blood sugar levels by adhering to a specific treatment plan and diet.

- Most cases require an ear cleaning in the medical clinic.

- The type of appropriate treatment depends on the type of infection causing the inflammation, as the doctor will determine the treatment based on that. If the inflammation is caused by fungi, it will require a deep cleaning of the ear with antifungal medications. If the infection is bacterial, treatment will be with antibiotics, either intravenously or using ear drops.

- The patient must adhere to the treatment plan for a relatively long period, as neglecting to take medications on time or stopping them as soon as the patient feels better may lead to recurrence of the infection and severe relapses.

- Patients with unbalanced sugar (where blood sugar levels reach 18 or 20) may need to be admitted to the hospital to receive appropriate treatment for painful ear infection, which includes repeated ear cleaning, intravenous antibiotics and ear drops, in addition to regulating the sugar level.

* Preventive instructions**

1. Maintain blood sugar levels within the normal range.

2. Use earplugs to prevent water from entering the ear while swimming.

3 - If you feel pain or itching in the ear, you should visit a doctor.

4 - It is preferable to avoid inserting anything into the ear.

5 - If there is a need to clean the ear, you should go to a specialist or an ear doctor.

- Diabetics should maintain their ear health continuously, and follow up on periodic examinations under the supervision of an ear doctor. It is also advised not to try to clean the ear randomly, and avoid using water for cleaning in public clinics for diabetics or those with weak immunity.

- Anyone should see a doctor quickly when they feel an ear infection, especially if they are diabetic, and take the appropriate treatment according to the instructions, with the necessity of following up on the case periodically to ensure its response to treatment.

- Doctors in various specialties should refer the case to an ear doctor upon discovery, especially when there is suspicion of a type of infection, to avoid worsening the condition and ensure appropriate treatment.

- It is necessary to emphasize to the patient the importance of continuing treatment until the end and ensuring complete recovery, and this period may extend to two months.

- Doctors should be warned of the danger of increasing the number of cases resistant to important antibiotics due to excessive use

- Surgical intervention should be limited to taking a sample from the external canal and cleaning it periodically and removing excess tissue that has been damaged due to inflammation.

- The necessity of raising awareness in society about the danger of this type of external ear infection through the media, especially among diabetics and those with low immunity, and through awareness brochures.