Temporal Modulation Transfer Function (TMTF) in Individuals With Diabetes Mellitus Type 2

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a collection of metabolic disorders characterized by elevated blood sugar and abnormalities in insulin secretion and action. Previous studies have shown the link between hearing impairment and diabetes. But, there is a lack of literature on patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 for auditory temporal resolution skills. Aim and Objective: The aim of the current research is to assess auditory temporal resolution skills using Temporal Modulation Transfer Function (TMTF) in persons with diabetes mellitus type 2 (elevated blood sugar level) having high frequency hearing loss. Methods: Fifteen individuals between the age of 30 to 40 years having diabetes mellitus type 2 with high frequency hearing loss recruited for the study as a clinical group. Fifteen age matched normal hearing subjects with no diabetes were taken as control group. To assess the temporal resolution ability, TMTF tests were administered. Research design used in this study was between group design. Result: The 2 groups were compared using independent t-test. It showed that in TMTF task the diabetic group with high frequency hearing loss (clinical) performed significantly poorer when compared to non-diabetic group having normal hearing (control). Overall Conclusion: It can be concluded that the reasons for having poorer performance in temporal resolution task in subjects with diabetes mellitus type 2 may be the changes in the central auditory nervous system and widening of auditory filter. The finding of the current study revealed that the processing at the level of central auditory system there is a deterioration due to impact of diabetes mellitus type 2.