The Center for Audiology Works to Raise Awareness of Link Between Diabetes and Hearing Loss
Houston, TX (PRWEB) December 17, 2014 -- The Center for Audiology has established a goal of raising awareness of the link between diabetes and hearing loss. Recently, the facility has made several efforts to educate Houston area physicians about this topic.
The Center for Audiology has encouraged area physicians to screen or refer each of their diabetic patients for a baseline hearing test. To do so, The Center for Audiology presented area physicians with some of the relevant research that has highlighted this link over the last few years.
According to a pivotal 2008 study published by the Annals of Internal Medicine, diabetics are susceptible not only to vision problems, but to hearing problems as well.
"For years, physicians who treat people with diabetes have regularly ensured that their patients receive regular vision check-ups," said Dr. William Luxford, Otolaryngologist at the House Ear Clinic in Los Angeles. "This important study underscores the need for physicians now to encourage each of their diabetic patients to get their hearing checked as well."
In the study, National Institutes of Health (NIH) researchers analyzed data from hearing tests administered to 5,140 participants between 1999 and 2004 in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Their findings? Patients with diabetes are more than twice as likely to suffer hearing loss as non-diabetics. More than 40 percent of the patients who participated in the study had some hearing damage. Recent studies confirm the increased link between diabetes and hearing loss.
"People with diabetes should ask their doctors to check their hearing, or refer them to an audiologist who specializes in hearing care," says Dr. Sara Nagel, audiologist at The Center for Audiology in Houston. "A hearing check can be invaluable in identifying hearing loss and getting the diabetic the hearing help they need. Our goal is to minimize barriers and maximize function for individuals with hearing loss and other co-morbid conditions such as diabetes."
Studies conducted by the Better Hearing Institute, a not-for-profit educational organization whose mission is to educate the public about hearing loss treatment and prevention, show that people with untreated hearing loss experience a lower quality of life than people with normal hearing or people who use hearing aids.
Those who are living with diabetes and experiencing the frustration or social isolation that comes along with hearing loss, or want to learn about ways to protect hearing, call to schedule a consultation with The Center for Audiology at 713-255-0035, and start improving the quality of life today.
About the company:
The Center for Audiology was established in 2008 with the goal of providing the best in hearing healthcare to the people of Houston and surrounding areas. Along with evidence-based practice and superior customer service, The Center for Audiology's mission includes community outreach and service to encourage early diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss. Dr. Sara Nagel and Dr. Cristina Vallejo have a combined 22 years of experience in treating hearing loss and share a passion for improving quality of life through better hearing.
Sara Nagel, The Center for Audiology, http://www.centerforaud.com, 713-255-0035, [email protected]
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