Evaluation of Correlation between Diabetic Retinopathy and Hearing Impairment in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Correlation between Diabetic Retinopathy and Hearing Loss in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Objective: Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of blindness that occurs secondary to diabetes
mellitus. Besides having serious effects on the retina, diabetes has also been found to affect the hearing sense.
The aim of our study was to identify any correlation of hearing impairment with diabetic retinopathy in patients
suffering from Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Study Design: A Retrospective study.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the outpatient Otorhinolaryngology and
Ophthalmology clinics of Mohsin Family Health Clinic, Federal B Area of Karachi, Pakistan, from July 2016 to
June 2019.
Materials and Methods: Retrospective data analysis was performed using non-probability purposive sampling.
The demographic data, diabetic retinopathy and Hearing status were collected and analyzed using SPSS 20.0 in
patients suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Results: The mean age of patients was 60.65±7.35 and the duration of diabetes was 6.76±3.52. Diabetic
retinopathy was evident in 235 patients (52.2%), and hearing impairment was found in 108(24%) patients. Age
(p=0.024), duration of diabetes (p=<0.001), and diabetic retinopathy (p=<0.001) were significantly correlated
with hearing impairment in type 2 DM patients.
Conclusion: Hearing impairment is correlated with diabeticretinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes
mellitus. Monitoring of auditory function is advised in patients with retinopathy and vice versa, as timely
management of the condition can prevent further disability.

How to cite this: Farooq MZ, Inamullah S, Mashhood S. Evaluation of Correlation between Diabetic Retinopathy and Hearing Impairment in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Life and Science. 2022; 3(4): 183-187 . doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.236