Diabetes and Hearing Loss Among Underserved Populations.

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) disproportionately affects the underserved population, and has been identified as the major risk factor for many microvascular diseases. T2DM also affects the vasculature and neural system of the inner ear, often leading to hearing loss, a major risk factor for falls, depression, and other health problems. This article aims to: increase awareness of the association between T2DM and hearing loss; promote screening for hearing loss; discuss available resources and assistive devices for those with hearing loss; and encourage nurses to take an active role in advocating for assessment and treatment of hearing loss in T2DM patients.