When people think about managing diabetes, they usually focus on blood sugar control, nutrition, and well-known complications like vision changes or nerve pain. However, one area that often gets overlooked is hearing health. Studies continue to highlight a clear relationship between diabetes and hearing loss, yet many individuals don’t realize their ears may also be affected. Understanding this connection is important because catching hearing changes early can lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life.
How Diabetes Can Affect Hearing
Diabetes can impact hearing by damaging the body’s blood vessels and nerves over time. High blood sugar may harm the tiny blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the inner ear. Since the inner ear contains delicate structures responsible for hearing and balance, reduced blood flow can interfere with how well these systems work, sometimes causing gradual hearing decline without immediate warning.
Diabetes may also damage the auditory nerves that carry sound information from the ears to the brain. When these pathways are affected, sounds may become harder to understand or process clearly, even if the ears themselves still pick up sound.
Subtle Warning Signs People Often Miss
One reason diabetes-related hearing loss can go unnoticed is because it typically develops slowly. Many people don’t realize anything is changing until it starts interfering with daily life. Some early signs may include:
Because the changes happen gradually, it’s easy to assume it’s just stress, fatigue, or normal aging—but for someone with diabetes, these symptoms may signal early hearing damage and shouldn’t be ignored.
It’s Not Always Just Age
While hearing changes are common as we get older, diabetes can accelerate that process. If you’ve lived with diabetes for several years, it’s smart to view hearing care as part of your overall health plan. Just like routine eye exams and foot checks, hearing screenings should be considered another important step in long-term wellness.
Getting hearing tested regularly allows changes to be identified early—before they begin affecting your confidence, communication, and relationships. Early detection also gives you more options for support, including hearing technology and strategies that fit your lifestyle.
Steps to Support Long-Term Hearing Health
One of the best ways to protect your hearing is by managing diabetes consistently. Keeping blood sugar in a healthy range can help lower the risk of damage to blood vessels and nerves. In addition, these habits can support stronger hearing over time:
If you’ve noticed any changes—or simply want to stay ahead of potential issues—a professional hearing test is a smart next move. Addressing hearing loss early can improve not only how well you hear, but also how connected and confident you feel day to day.
Prioritize Hearing as Part of Whole-Body Health
Hearing plays a major role in how we connect with others and experience the world. For people living with diabetes, recognizing the impact the condition may have on hearing is an important step in protecting overall wellness. Don’t wait for the problem to become obvious—make hearing health a priority right alongside vision, circulation, and long-term well-being.
Hello, I am Sarah! I have been an Audiologist since 2019 when I received my doctorate degree from A.T. Still University in Arizona and undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota. I have a passion to help people with their hearing healthcare. Coming from a family with hearing impaired individuals, I know the importance for personalized hearing care and best Audiology practices. Raised in small town Minnesota, I enjoy my time being outside, on the golf course or on the lake up north. I have 2 young children who keep me on my toes and always laughing.
My name is Brooke, and I have been working at SoundGate Hearing since July of 2023. I love being a part of a team that puts the customers first. Being able to help others has always been a passion of mine. When I am not working, I love spending time with my family and traveling.
I have worked in a variety of roles in the hearing industry since graduating from Minnesota State University-Moorhead with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications. I have worked at SoundGate Hearing since 2013 and have substantial experience with both the technical and business sides of the industry. I understand the fundamental need to provide strong support for our patients. I spend my free time away from the office with my active family. I enjoy a wide variety of activities, including travel, hiking, camping, fishing, and all things outdoors. I am a passionate hockey and soccer parent and fan.
Hello, I am Kara, and I am so excited to continue serving the Buffalo area and providing hearing care at SoundGate Hearing. I grew up in SW, MN, in a small town, and I love the sense of community that small towns offer. I have worked at SoundGate since 2019 and love the personalized care this clinic provides patients. In my free time, I enjoy reading, staying active, spending time outdoors, and soaking up as much lake time as I can in our short MN summers.
Welcome! I am Dr. Sarah Binfet and I have been a Doctor of Audiology since 2006. I proudly served Veterans at the Minneapolis VA for nearly 9 years. I established Blaine Hearing Center in 2013 in conjunction with my husband's optometric practice. It has been a wonderful partnership and enjoyable to see each other at work! In 2015, I had the opportunity to grow my practice when I purchased SoundGate Hearing from my mentor, Dr. Wendy Davis. I genuinely love what I do and feel that helping people hear is essential to their quality of life. I believe in creating a welcoming and supportive environment in which the patient and their families can be educated on their hearing loss, hearing aid options, and how to have the best success with their hearing aids. At SoundGate, we deeply care about our patients and their outcomes. We want everyone to genuinely enjoy their hearing aids and the benefits they bring. I am committed to offering my patients the most up to date digital hearing aid technology, which is why I carry a full line of manufacturers. There is no one right hearing aid for everyone. It is my job to help my patients navigate the complex works of hearing aids and decide on which products best meet their needs, goals and budget. I have discovered the benefit of giving patients the opportunity to trial hearing aids out of the office. A hearing aid trial is most helpful in navigating the complex journey of better hearing. A Minnesotan through and through, I was raised in Eden Prairie, MN, received my undergraduate degree from the University of St. Thomas and my Doctor of Audiology degree from the University of Minnesota. When not at work, you will find me cooking, hitting up the newest restaurants and fitting in as much yoga as possible. During the weekend, you will find my husband Rodney and me with our three kids, Evelyn, Jake and Sam, loving the outdoors at our family cabin on Leech Lake. I look forward to meeting you.
My name is Kathy, and I am a Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS) with SoundGate Hearing. I have been in hearing health for 18 years. I am passionate about helping people live their best lives with the best hearing possible. Getting to know patients is a joy for me. My position is a lot like a Nurse Practitioner’s. I am licensed to perform many services to help you while I work with and for the Audiologists for your best care. In my spare time, you will find my husband and I enjoying our three busy grandsons, reading with my book club, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. I am so glad to be part of the SoundGate Hearing team.