Keywords: diabetes mellitus, hearing loss, hair cells, stria vascularis, microangiophaty, spiral ganglion

Abstract: Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pathophysiology of hearing loss occurring in diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: Case-control studies, experimentals studies and review articles that have been demonstrated hearing loss in diabetes mellitus was identificated using a MEDLINE research, and included in the study according its methodologic consistence. Results: The studies have been demonstrate the lesions of the inner ear in different locations, varying since microangiophatic lesions until loss of external hair cells, or compromise of spiral ganglion. Conclusions: The evidence suggest the existence of sensorineural damage in diabetes mellitus. Nevertheless, more studies are necessary to elucidate the pathophysiologic mecanisms of lesions. lf the lesions occur in a particular region or reflect a multifactorial condition remains to clear.