Audiological implications of diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension: a systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: Among the most prevalent chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and Systemic Arterial Hypertension (SAH) stand out. These NCDs are related to lifestyle, age and gender, and may be associated with audiological changes. Objective: To highlight the studies that already exist in the literature regarding DM and SAH and their relationship with hearing loss. Research strategy: Searches for scientific articles occurred in the electronic databases Medline (Pubmed), LILACS and SciELO. Selection criteria: Studies on the relationship between hearing loss and DM and SAH published in the last five years were included, and literature reviews, systematic reviews and meta-analysis were excluded. Results: Nine studies were selected showing that DM and / or SAH may be possible risk factors for the development of hearing loss. For this purpose, evaluations and comparisons of groups of people with and without such risk factors were carried out. Other comorbidities can be determinant for hearing loss. After the analysis, it was found that there is a relationship between SAH, DM and hearing loss, especially at high frequencies. No difference was observed between the ears. Conclusion: There is a relationship between DM and SAH with hearing loss, both in adults and in the elderly. Auditory impairment was shown to be greater in subjects with associated DM and SAH, suggesting a synergistic effect of the two chronic diseases on hearing. The hearing loss of the sensorineural type prevailed.