Peripheral and central auditory system in patients with Diabetes mellitus type II with and without diabetic retinopathy

Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disease with systemic features, considered one of the most important risk factors for macro-and microvascular complications. Diseases such as nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy, and hypertension, and cardiovascular changes, and otoneurological complaints such as dizziness and tinnitus are often associated with DM. Metabolic disorders resulting from DM result in hypoxia that affects mainly the nervous and vascular tissues. In recent years, the relationship between diabetes and hearing disorders has been investigated, since it seems likely that the drastic consequences for the peripheral and central auditory system where the blood supply to the cochlea and / or auditory neural centers are affected. In recent years, a growing interest in the auditory evaluation of individuals with DM, with diverse opinions about the initial location of the lesion in the auditory system, if this is cochlear or retrocochlear. Studies with otoacoustic emissions have shown early changes in micromechanical properties of outer hair cells and auditory evoked brainstem response in patients with diabetic complications has revealed abnormalities. The scientific community has stressed that early diagnosis of changes in hearing sensitivity and nerve function in diabetic patients could provide incentives for adoption of control measures and monitoring of disease complications. Early diagnosis and monitoring of hearing problems could provide better quality of life for diabetic patients. (AU)