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Global ENT Updates

Diabetes Quadruples Hearing Loss Risk

A systematic review and meta-analysis published in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS) confirms that Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a powerful, non-obvious factor in hearing loss (HL). The analysis of 17 studies found that the prevalence of HL in T2DM patients ranges widely (40.6% to 71.9%).

Compared to healthy controls, the risk of hearing loss is 4.19 times higher (OR: 4.19; 95% CI: 1.22-14.37). The greatest differences were observed at high frequencies, where hearing thresholds were worse by 2.3 dB (95% CI: 1.97-2.63).

The study established a direct link between duration and control:

Risk is 2.07 times higher after 10 or more years of diabetes.
Poor blood sugar control (high HbA1c) is seen in patients with moderate and severe HL.

Researchers suggest that chronic high sugar levels cause microvascular damage in the inner ear. They recommend that hearing checks be standard for diabetic patients, as HL may be an early indicator of vascular complications.

Read further:

• Full study: https://aao-hnsfjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ohn.1346

Repurposed Diuretic Protects Against Genetic Hearing Loss

Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine discovered that furosemide (Lasix), a common diuretic, prevents progressive hearing loss in mice with TMPRSS3 mutations—a genetic cause of ~1 in 1,000 congenital deafness cases. The drug reduces endocochlear potential (the inner ear’s electrical drive), protecting hair cells from degeneration without affecting kidney function at tested doses. Published September 2025 in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, this proof-of-concept study opens doors to drug repurposing for hereditary deafness, potentially delaying or preventing cochlear implants. Lead author: Rick Nelson, MD, PhD (IU Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery).

Read further:

• Full study: JCI – September 2025

• IU News release: medicine.iu.edu/news/2025/09/genetic-hearing-loss-treatment-study

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I feel dizzy when I get up in the morning? Morning dizziness is common and often caused by Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). This occurs when tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and move into the semicircular canals, which help the brain sense head movements. When these crystals shift, they send false signals, causing brief episodes of vertigo. Symptoms may include: short spinning sensation when sitting up or turning in bed, light-headedness or mild nausea. Usually no hearing loss or permanent balance problems. What to do: sit up slowly and avoid sudden head movements. BPPV often improves with Epley or other repositioning exercises. See an ENT Specialist if dizziness is severe, recurrent, or accompanied by hearing loss, headaches, or neurological symptoms.

What is Otitis Externa and why does my ear hurt? Outer ear infection (otitis externa or swimmer's ear) is an infection of the skin of the outer ear canal, where the skin is red, swollen, and inflamed. Approximately one in ten people will experience it in their lifetime, more often in the summer. Its development is often linked to a moist environment caused by water entering the ear, which aids the proliferation of bacteria and fungi. Other risk factors include injury to the ear canal (e.g., from using cotton swabs) or existing skin conditions (e.g., eczema). Symptoms include intense ear pain (especially when touched), itching, discharge, and temporary hearing loss. Treatment involves keeping the ear dry (avoiding swimming for 7–10 days) and refraining from inserting any objects. Simple painkillers can alleviate mild pain. For those aged 12 and over, 2% acetic acid ear drops may be trialled. The doctor typically prescribes antibiotic/steroid ear drops. Immediate specialist consultation is necessary if symptoms do not improve within 48–72 hours, or if the following high-risk factors for complications (e.g., necrotising otitis externa) are present: poorly controlled diabetes, weakened immune system (due to illness or medication), older age, previous ear surgery, ear irrigation, or radiation therapy to the head/neck area.

ENT Fun Facts & History

Your Ear Bones Used to be Jaws!

Did you know the three tiny bones in your middle ear—the malleus (hammer), incus (anvil), and stapes (stirrup)—have an incredible evolutionary past?

Ancient Fish: The stapes originated from a gill arch bone used for jaw support in fish.
Reptiles: The malleus and incus were once the main jaw joint bones (articular and quadrate) that reptiles used for chewing!

When mammals developed a new, stronger jaw joint, the old joint bones were "recycled." They migrated to the ear to form a 3-bone chain that significantly amplifies sound. This clever evolutionary hack transformed eating equipment into a powerful listening system, giving us hearing far superior to our reptilian ancestors.

Further information: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-W75OG0DQEI