A Cross-sectional Study on Impact of Duration and Stage of Chronic Kidney Disease on Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Insights from a Tertiary Care Center

Abstract

Introduction: Hearing loss has been closely associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to various factors. Structural similarities of nephron and cochlea, hypoperfusion, and toxic levels in the blood could be the cause. Most commonly sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is found, which occurs as bilateral and symmetrical. The aim of this study is to assess the hearing among CKD patients and correlate the degree of hearing loss with the duration, stage of CKD, use of diuretics and hemodialysis, and follow-up hearing assessment was done to check for improvement or worsening of hearing loss. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted for 1 year at a tertiary care center. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 101 patients diagnosed with CKD were selected. After obtaining a thorough history and local examination of the ear, patients were subjected to pure tone audiometry. Results: Fifty-three patients (52.5%) out of the 101 candidates were found to have SNHL with a significant P value between duration and stage of CKD, diuretic therapy, and hemodialysis in relation to hearing loss. Conclusion: Hearing loss and CKD are closely linked, especially in the end stages and prolonged duration of the disease. Careful audiological monitoring is necessary for the early identification and prevention of hearing deterioration.