A new study points up the link between hearing loss and moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD) in older adults. According to the report published October 3 in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases, the official journal of the National Kidney Foundation, adults aged 50 and older with moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a higher prevalence of hearing loss than those of the same age without CKD.
An Australian research team assessed more than 2,900 individuals, including 513 with moderate chronic kidney disease. Of those with CKD, over 54 percent reported some level of hearing loss, compared to only 28 percent of the rest of the group. Nearly 30 percent of the CKD participants showed severe hearing loss compared with only 10 percent of the non-CKD participants.
The study suggests a strong tie to CKD and hearing loss, noted study author Professor David Harris, Associate Dean of Sydney Medical School-Westmead at the University of Sydney. “The link can be explained by structural and functional similarities between tissues in the inner ear and in the kidney. Additionally, toxins that accumulate in kidney failure can damage nerves, including those in the inner ear. Another reason for this connection is that kidney disease and hearing loss share common risk factors, including diabetes, high blood pressure and advanced age."
The findings may indicate a modification of the usual care of people with CKD. According to Dr. Kerry Willis, Senior Vice President of Scientific Activities at the National Kidney Foundation, “Earlier clinical hearing assessments and fitting of hearing aids in CKD patients can improve quality of life and lead to better management of underlying conditions which could, in turn, potentially preserve hearing function.”