[Hearing loss, disorders of sound localization with the preservation ofsmell and taste in diabetics].

Diabetes is often complicated by serious medical conditions which could be related to the development of auditory system and cranial nerves lesions, disorder of sound localisation and decreased olfactory and taste ability. Cranial nerve palsies in diabetes are considered as an integral part of the main disease. Twenty nine children with diabetes and non-diabetics control group, without a history of exposure to noise, ototoxic drugs, or ear disease aged 4-19 years old were examined. Hearing impairment may be present in children with disease duration above 3-5 years and in children with other complications. Sound localisation tests were performed by the method of Zakrzewski from a free auditory field, measuring the angle of directional hearing acuity in 35 diabetics age from 16 to 78 years. Longer duration of diabetes was associated with higher directional hearing acuity. Higher hearing loss was observed with higher directional values in diabetics. The authors investigated smell and taste in 35 diabetics. All patients were treated with insulin. Impairment value of smell identification thresholds was much more frequent than impairment of smell perception. In no case raised threshold of taste perception.