Kidney Disease and Hearing Loss: Are They Connected?
Hearing loss isn’t always the result of age. There are many comorbidities that can be associated with hearing loss, one of which is kidney disease. Research shows that people with kidney disease are more likely to have hearing problems.
In fact, it is estimated that 54% of the 26 million American adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) experience some level of hearing loss.
How the Kidneys Affect Your Ears
Your kidneys filter waste and balance fluids in your body. Your inner ear (the cochlea) also depends on tiny fluid systems to help you hear clearly. When your kidneys aren’t working as well, changes in your blood chemistry and fluid balance can affect the delicate parts of your ear.
Shared risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and aging are also common causes of correlation, as well as inner ear damage caused by toxins resulting from kidney failure.
What You Can Do
There are five healthy habits that can help prevent or slow down the progression of chronic kidney disease.
- Stop smoking
- Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight
- Control your blood pressure
- Consume a healthy, well-balanced diet
- Ask your doctor to test for kidney and heart disease
In addition to these healthy habits, it’s also smart to add annual hearing screenings into your routine as well. By having your hearing examined on a regular basis, you can catch any changes early. Annual hearing screenings can identify:
- Whether or not you have a hearing loss
- Whether you are at risk for hearing loss
- Ways to improve your hearing health and quality of life
- The type of hearing loss that you may have
Be Proactive
Speaking with your healthcare providers about your daily hearing and health challenges as well as your family and medical history, can help improve your care and treatment plan. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact us today to schedule your hearing exam and start being proactive!