Publication:

Hearing impairment in patients of renal failure

Background Kidney diseases are emerging public health problems in developing countries. A common complication of renal failure is sensorineural hearing loss which is leading to poor quality of life. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of hearing loss in renal failure patients and to see the correlation of dialysis, ototoxic drugs, and creatinine levels.

Methods This observational study was conducted at the department of otorhinolaryngology, tertiary care center, Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh) for a period of 18 months i.e.; from March 2019 to August 2020. 70 patients with renal failure were registered for study. In all patients hematological tests include hemoglobin, urea, creatinine, random blood sugar, serum electrolytes and pure tone audiometry was done.

Results Out of 70 patients, 51 patients (72.9%) of renal failure had sensorineural hearing loss. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus as comorbidity play important role in hearing loss in renal failure patients. Acoustic reflex was absent in 14.3% of cases which signifying a profound hearing loss and these patients had creatinine level above 6 mg/dl.

Conclusions Senorineural hearing loss is more prevalent in renal failure patients. Significant association was present between raised creatinine level and sensorineural hearings loss. Diabetes mellitus and hypertension were the common comorbidities that have a significant role in hearing loss in renal failure patients. All patients having renal failure have a risk of developing sensorineural hearing loss. So, these patients should be kept under follow up by doing regular pure tone audiometry and taking preventive measures, so that the hearing loss doesn't occur.