The link between high blood sugar, hearing loss, and balance problems in older adults
Official title: Hyperglycemia, Hearing Loss and Vestibular Dysfunction: The CARDIA Study
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10458672 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how high blood sugar levels in people with diabetes might affect hearing and balance in older adults, and it aims to help find ways to catch these issues early so that people can maintain a better quality of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2019 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $154,099 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC017613-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10458672 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those with a history of diabetes or prediabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without diabetes or those who are not in the older adult age group may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how high blood sugar levels, particularly in individuals with diabetes, may contribute to hearing loss and balance issues in older adults. By analyzing data collected over 35 years from a diverse group of participants, the study aims to identify the relationship between diabetes and these auditory and vestibular dysfunctions. Participants will undergo hearing assessments using automated audiometry to evaluate their hearing capabilities. The goal is to enhance early detection and intervention strategies for these conditions, which can significantly impact quality of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved screening and treatment options for hearing loss and balance disorders in older adults with diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has established a connection between diabetes and hearing loss, but the specific relationship with vestibular dysfunction is less understood, making this study a novel exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schreiner, Pamela J — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Schreiner, Pamela J
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.