Central auditory processing and visual reaction time study in type 2 diabetes patients and age matched non-diabetic control subjects

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes patients all suffering sensorineural hearing loss and their non-diabetic matched controls having 29.4% prevalence of hearing loss was reported earlier. Further investigations toward deeper insight to the malady are undertaken in same patients. Method: All 51 type 2 diabetic patients and their even numbered age-sex matched controls were subjected to Brainstem auditory evoked potential testing and simple visual reaction time study. Result: Significant delay in central auditory processing was evident in diabetic patients. Visual reaction times were also delayed significantly in the diabetes group. Conclusion: BAEP study early in management of type 2 diabetes can detect risk of hearing loss before manifestation and guide to prevent degradation of quality of life and safety. Simple visual reaction time test is also worth routine application toward patient guidance and supportive care to check accidents and drug overdose.

Keywords: BERA; Visual reaction time; Diabetic hearing loss; Diabetic cognitive decline; Diabetes and aging