New research reveals higher A1C levels are associated with an increased risk of hearing loss, especially at higher hearing frequencies. The study looked at over 5,000 patients who received hearing and blood tests.
The results add to a growing database of evidence that elevated blood sugar is tied to a higher risk of hearing loss.
A1C?
A1C (HbA1c, glycated hemoglobin) is a blood test that measures the average blood sugar (glucose) level over the past two to three months. A1C above 6.5% is considered diabetic.
- How it works: Glucose in the blood sticks to hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells. As glucose levels increase, more of it sticks to hemoglobin.
- The A1C test is used to diagnose diabetes and prediabetes and to monitor blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
- The Centers for Disease Control recommends A1C testing for diabetes and prediabetes if you are over 45.
For the graph below
A1C test results are reported as a percentage. The higher the percentage, the higher your blood glucose levels over the past two to three months. The A1C test can also be used for diagnosis based on the following guidelines:
- If your A1C level is between 5.7 and less than 6.5%, your levels are in the prediabetes range.
- If you have an A1C level of 6.5% or higher, your levels are in the diabetes range.
Why it matters
The research findings suggest keeping blood sugar in check may help preserve hearing.
- If you have diabetes, have your hearing screened routinely.
1 big idea: Diabetes’s damage on large and microscopic blood vessels may cause hearing loss.
► For facts about hearing loss and hearing aid options, download The Hearing Loss Guide.
By the numbers
According to the study, patients with diabetes had poorer hearing along with higher A1C levels. On average, the A1C levels were 7.5%.
- The prediabetes group had A1C levels of 6%
- The normal group had an A1C of 5.3%.
- According to the American Diabetes Association, the normal range for A1C levels in people without diabetes is between 4% and 5.6%.
Notable: Worsening hearing thresholds were independently associated with increasing age and A1C levels across all frequencies.
The takeaway
People with high A1C levels should make hearing screening part of their routine health check-ups.
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