The 3 subtle ear changes that signal killer disease undiagnosed in 1.2 million Brits

THERE are millions of Brits living with type 2 diabetes, a condition caused by persistently high blood sugar levels.

But it's estimated that 1.2 million people in the UK may not even know they have it.

Changes to your hearing may be a warning sign you are living with the condition, an audiologist has warned.

Type 2 diabetes tends to be associated with older people, but it's increasingly affecting adults under 40, analysis from shows.

It's important to manage the condition to prevent long-term damage to blood vessels, nerves and organs.

Type 2 diabetes symptoms can include feeling persistently thirsty, needed to pee more than usual, blurred vision and slow healing wounds.

But you might not expect symptoms of the disease to crop up in your ears.

Rob Ormerod, audiologist at , explains: “The high and low blood sugar levels diabetics suffer from can impact blood flow and cause damage to the blood vessels in your inner ear, affecting the nerve signals received by your ear and impacting ear health in a number of different ways.”

Here are three ways diabetes can show symptoms in your ears...

1. Persistent ear infections

Most of us wouldn't worry too much about an ear infection because they're super common and tend to go away after a few days.

But if you're constantly getting pain and irritation is your ear, it could be a sign of diabetes.

“Diabetics are more prone to picking up ear infections," Rob explains.

"This is caused by reduced blood flow to your ears, which can in turn reduce the strength of your immune system and ability to fight off infections."

A high temperature, being sick, a feeling of pressure or fullness in your ear and discharge are some other signs of this common infection.

Rob shares some advice for swerving them if you are prone.

“Following some general best practice guidelines for preventing ear infections such as not putting cotton wool buds into your ear and using earplugs when swimming is important," he says.

"Bacterial ear infections can be treated with antibiotics but for repeated infections, it’s best to see your GP or pharmacist about the treatment options available.”

2. Tinnitus

Hearing a ringing, hissing or humming sound in your ear that doesn't seem to be coming from anywhere?

You could be experiencing tinnitus.

“Tinnitus is characterised as a ringing or buzzing in your ears without an external source," according to Rob.

Some form of hearing loss is often the cause, as well as taking certain medicines or experiencing anxiety and depression, the NHS says.

But chronic conditions like diabetes could also be the culprit behind the whooshing in your ear.