Moderate Chronic Kidney Disease and Hearing Loss

Moderate chronic kidney disease is associated with 43% increased risk of hearing loss.

According to a report in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases, “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 … 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.” - Professor David Harris, Associate Dean of Sydney Medical School-Westmead at the University of Sydney.