The link between high blood sugar, hearing loss, and balance problems in older adults

Hyperglycemia, Hearing Loss and Vestibular Dysfunction: The CARDIA Study

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · NIH-10458672

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

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10458672 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those with a history of diabetes or prediabetes.

Not a fit: Patients without diabetes or those who are not in the older adult age group may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.