Lifestyle Series – Diabetes and Hearing Loss with Joanne Rinker
Overview
The National Institute of Health reveals that hearing loss is twice as likely in people with diabetes, yet this serious complication often goes unaddressed in standard diabetes care.
In this insightful webinar hosted by DiabetesSisters, Registered Dietitian and Board Certified Advanced Diabetes Manager Joanne Rinker dives into the complex relationship between diabetes, depression, and hearing loss. She explains the underlying causes of this connection and discusses how diabetes management can be affected. The session covers the impact of prolonged hypoglycemia on hearing health, along with essential strategies for assessment, screening, and treatment.
Whether you’re a healthcare professional or a woman impacted by these conditions, this webinar offers practical, actionable insights to enhance diabetes care.
About the Host
Joanne Rinker is a Master’s level dietitian, BC-ADM, CDCES. She implemented and facilitated the
creation of the North Carolina Diabetes Education Recognition Program, the largest American
Diabetes Association (ADA) recognized site in the nation. In 2012, Joanne was named the
American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) 2013 Diabetes Educator of the Year and
used that opportunity to spread the word about the relationship between diabetes, hearing loss
and depression. She was the ADCES Senior Director of Practice, Content and Learning until
transitioning to MannKind in 2021. She has been published and presented on the national level
for AND, ADCES, ADA, and ATTD.
Related Resources: Hearing Loss
People with diabetes face a higher risk of hearing loss, with research showing it’s twice as common for those with diabetes compared to those without. Early detection is key, as hearing issues often appear sooner in individuals with diabetes and can be impacted by related conditions like neuropathies and high blood pressure. Women with a history of gestational diabetes are particularly at risk for high-frequency hearing loss. Use the screening questions provided to assess your hearing health, and consider seeing an audiologist for a full evaluation if needed.
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