Over 1 in 7 US adults, 15% of the adult population, are estimated to have chronic kidney disease (CKD), the gradual loss of kidney function. Aside from the primary symptoms, research has shown a relationship between CKD and hearing loss.
- The prevalence of hearing loss in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) varies from 28% to 77%, according to the CDC.
Why it matters
- Patients with CKD should be aware of the increased risk of hearing loss.
- Hearing testing should be standard care for CKD patients.
- According to the National Institutes of Health, people with CKD are at a higher risk of developing sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) than the general population.
What to know
Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is the most common loss linked to CKD. SNHL can affect all sound frequencies but is most common at high frequencies.
Shared risk factors for CKD and hearing loss include age, diabetes, hypertension, and exposure to ototoxic drugs or noise.
CKD combined with hypertension further increases the risk of hearing loss.
A closer look
- Toxins accumulating in kidney failure can damage nerves, including those in the inner ear.
- Some treatments for CKD are ototoxic (cause hearing loss).
- Patients on hemodialysis are at a higher risk of hearing loss.
Concerned about your hearing
Call to schedule a free, 15-minute hearing screening with an audiologist. The health risks are too high to guess. Find out.
If you have hearing loss, your audiologist will explain —
- How much hearing you've lost
- Whether your hearing needs treatment
- How hearing aids help your brain stay healthy and lower the risk of dementia
