November represents Diabetes Awareness Month. Did you know that diabetes is one of the most common diseases that affects Canadians? Diabetes is another major area for concern within the research community. Researchers believe that individuals who have diabetes are twice as likely to develop hearing loss.
Diabetes is a disease that occurs when blood sugar (glucose) is too high. Blood glucose represents our main source of energy and comes directly from the food we consume. Our pancreas naturally secretes a hormone called insulin that helps glucose from food get into our cells to be used for energy. In some cases, our bodies don’t make enough or any insulin. This causes the glucose to stay in the bloodstream and inhibits absorption by our cells. Over time, an overabundance of glucose can cause health related problems.
In 2015, roughly 3.4 million individuals reported being diagnosed with diabetes which represents 9.3% of our population. Diabetes Canada anticipates diagnosis rates will increase by 44% by 2025.
Medical professionals have created a list of risk factors for developing hearing loss. Recently they have added diabetes to this list due to the prevalence of hearing loss diagnosed for individuals with diabetes.
Diabetes-related hearing complications tend to strike earlier than other risk factors. Research suggests a dose-response relationship. Having higher hemoglobin A1c results poses a greater risk of hearing loss.
Diabetes-related hearing loss has been studied and debated for decades. Some scholars believe that hearing loss results from damage to blood vessels in the inner ear. In addition, elevated blood sugar levels can also damage the hair cells and nerves surrounding the inner ear. The inner ear does not have a reserve supply of blood flow, leaving it vulnerable to elevated blood sugar levels. If the blood vessels are damaged, blood flow is reduced which can cause permanent damage to the structures within the inner ear.
A healthy lifestyle and diet are the key to keeping A1c levels and blood glucose readings within their recommended ranges. Above all, reducing the risk of diabetes associated health complications will also reduce the risk of developing sensorineural hearing loss.
Diabetes Canada estimates that by 2050 nearly one third of the population will have diabetes. Furthermore, it is important that individuals with diabetes regularly screen their cardiovascular health as well as the health of their eyes, kidneys, and ears. Adhering to the recommended screening protocols can reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications and identify any problems that arise early. Responsible monitoring of the disease can delay or even prevent associated health complications.
If you have questions or concerns about your hearing health, contact one of our offices to schedule a hearing test.
As the coronavirus impacts us all, please read how Davidson Hearing Aid Centres is working to create a safe environment for our staff and clients alike. Please note that our policies and office opening may be changing day-to-day as required. Please check back on our website to find the most up to date information.
*Please note that it must be a wireless model. Many of the smaller custom products, including CIC and certain ITC are not wireless and will not function with this device.
The following Signia product families are compatible with this accessory.
The following Signia product families are compatible with this accessory.
The myHearing app works for all Andoid smartphones (Android 4.4 and newer) and iPhones (iOS version 8 and newer).
Full live remote tuning was tested and works best with the following devices:
• Google Nexus 6P (Android 7.1.1 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S8 – SM-G950F (Android 7.0 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S8 (USA) – SM-G950U (Android 7.0 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S7 – SM-G930F (Android 7.0 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S7 (USA) – SM-G930V (Android 7.0 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge – SM-G935F (Android 7.0 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S6 – SM-920I (Android 6.0.1 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge – SM-G925F (Android 7.0 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S5 – SM-G900F (Android 6.0.1 or higher)
The functionality of myControl App was tested and works best with the following Android devices:
• Google Nexus 6P (Android 7.1.1 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S8 – SM-G950F (Android 7.0 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S8 (USA) – SM-G950U (Android 7.0 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S7 – SM-G930F (Android 7.0 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S7 (USA) – SM-G930V (Android 7.0 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge – SM-G935F (Android 7.0 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S6 – SM-920I (Android 6.0.1 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge – SM-G925F (Android 7.0 or higher)
• Samsung Galaxy S5 – SM-G900F (Android 6.0.1 or higher)
This app can be used with any hearing aids as a guide for your first fit. The following Signia product families offer full conferencing with your professional as well as access to the full range of programming adjustments.
The following Signia product families offer a more limited range of fine tuning adjustments.
The following Signia product families are compatible with this accessory.
The following Signia product families are compatible with this accessory.
The following Widex product families are compatible with this accessory.
*Please note that the mini CIC’s are not wireless and will not function with these devices.
*Please note that it must be a wireless model. Many of the smaller custom products, including CIC and certain ITC are not wireless and will not function with this device. Not compatible with the Audeo B-Direct.
*Please note that it must be a wireless model. Many of the smaller custom products, including CIC and certain ITC are not wireless and will not function with this device. Not compatible with the Audeo B-Direct or the Audeo Q-10 products.
*Please note that the Audeo B-Direct, Virto B-Ti, or the Virto nano IIC are not compatible with this product.
*Please note that it must be a wireless model. Many of the smaller custom products, including CIC and certain ITC are not wireless and will not function with this device. Not compatible with the Audeo B-Direct or the Audeo Q-10 products.
The following ReSound product families are compatible with this accessory.
*Please note that it must be a wireless model. Many of the smaller custom products, including CIC and certain MIH and ITC are not wireless and will not function with this device.
The following ReSound product families are compatible with this accessory.
*Please note that it must be a wireless model. Many of the smaller custom products, including CIC and many ITC are not wireless and will not function with this device.
The following ReSound product families are compatible with this accessory.
*Please note that it must be a wireless model. Many of the smaller custom products, including CIC and many ITC are not wireless and will not function with this device.
RC-DEX is designed for basic and easy wireless remote control of your hearing aids.