Cochlear damage and diabetes: A particular interest to be given?

Study the epidemiological, clinical and paraclinical characteristics of cochlear damage in diabetic patients. Cross-sectional study collecting patients consulting the ENT department for persistent subjective ringing in the ears between January and May 2024. The study population was divided into 2 groups. G1: diabetics and G2: non-diabetics. One hundred patients were included in our study, 55 of whom belonged to G1. The majority (65%) were men with a mean age of 57.5 years. The average duration of tinnitus was 35.75 months. For G1, tinnitus was bilateral in all patients, vs. 50% of G2 had bilateral tinnitus. Hypoacusis was reported by all patients in G1 vs. 60% in G2. Audiometry performed in all cases showing presbycusis in 85% of patients in G1 vs. 30% in G2. Hearing was normal in 15% of patients in G1 vs. 28% in G2. Unilateral sensorineural hearing loss was noted only in G2 (42% cases). Diabetes is recognized as one of the elements that can increase the risk of progressive sensorineural hearing loss, as well as potentially peripheral vertigo. This is due to degenerative damage to the microvascularization of the inner ear. This impact is not yet completely elucidated and remains a subject requiring more in-depth investigations.