Did you know that there’s a correlation between chronic kidney disease and hearing loss?
An Australian study published in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases in October of 2010 examined the medical records of more than 2,500 adults, aged 50 and older. Approximately 500 of those participants were diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD); and more than 50% of those patients with CKD suffered some sort of hearing loss.
What may be the correlation?
- Toxins that occur from kidney failure can damage nerves, including those in the inner ear
- Some treatments for kidney problems are ototoxic (they are harmful to the ear system or hearing)
- Kidney disease and hearing loss share common risk factors: diabetes, high blood pressure, age-related decline
Some important ways to maintain kidney health:
- Hydrate!
- Control blood sugar and diabetes
- Monitor your blood pressure
- Stay active
- Eat a healthy diet
- Avoid Smoking
It’s important to know that the hearing of individuals with kidney disease may be at risk. If you or a loved one suffers from kidney issues, you should consider pursuing a hearing test to determine if you have a loss! We look forward to helping you!
