Diabetes mellitus and hearing loss: A review

•Diabetes and hearing loss are common disorders, especially in the elderly.•Hearing loss is a risk factor for cognitive decline in the elderly.•Diabetes and hearing loss share some risk factors, including ageing.•Diabetes is a risk factor for microvascular disease, including hearing loss.•Ageing increases the risk of hearing loss directly or indirectly. Diabetes (type 2) and sensorineural hearing loss are common health problems manifested with ageing. While both type 1 and type 2 diabetes have been associated with hearing loss, a causal link has been difficult to establish. Individuals with diabetes have twice the incidence of hearing loss compared to those without diabetes and those with prediabetes have a 30% higher rate of hearing loss. Whether hearing loss is associated with diabetes independent of glycemic control remains to be determined. Hearing loss has its own set of risk factors and shares others with diabetes. This review will summarize the complex relationship between diabetes and sensorineural hearing loss.