I have kidney disease and hearing loss. Are they connected?

Question: I have kidney disease and hearing loss. Are they connected?

Answer: It has been found that older adults with moderate, chronic kidney disease do have an increased chance of developing hearing loss. It is thought that toxins building up in the kidneys may impair the hearing nerves of the inner ear, and there may be tissue similarities between the ear and kidney.

Routine hearing examinations by a doctor of audiology are recommended to monitor hearing and communication needs. Detecting hearing loss at its onset is key, rather than identifying it later when hearing loss is more severe. There are treatments for hearing loss that improve overall quality of life. Call to schedule your exam today to establish your hearing baseline with one of our doctors of audiology.