The Association Between Chronic Kidney Disease and Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Patients at the Colombo North Teaching Hospital Nephrology Clinic, Aged 20- 70 Years

Background: Although numerous studies have investigated the relationship between chronic kidney disease and sensorineural hearing loss, the specific correlation between these conditions remains insufficiently explored. However, sensorineural hearing loss is a recognized complication in patients with chronic kidney disease. Understanding the connection between CKD and SNHL is crucial for developing effective therapeutic interventions within the medical community. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlation of SNHL among patients with CKD and identify associated risk factors. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 121 CKD patients aged 20–70 years who were recruited from the Nephrology Clinic at Colombo North Teaching Hospital. Data were gathered via an interviewer-administered questionnaire and audiological assessments (otoscopy and pure tone audiometry). Random sampling and inferential statistical analysis were performed via SPSS software (version 26). CKD staging was determined by the estimated glomerular filtration rate. Results: Among 121 patients, the male-to-female ratio was 1.5:1.0. Bilateral hearing loss was observed in 85.95% of the participants, with most cases ranging from mild to moderately severe. However, the degree of hearing loss varies, and there is no clear progression across advanced stages of CKD. The analysis revealed that the severity of SNHL increased with age, prolonged duration of CKD, the presence of diabetes mellitus, and the use of specific ototoxic medications. In contrast, hypertension was not significantly associated with hearing loss. Conclusion: SNHL is highly prevalent among CKD patients across all stages. This study emphasizes the importance of regular audiological assessments in the management and follow-up of CKD in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, this study represents one of the initial investigations within Sri Lanka to establish the prevalence of SNHL in CKD patients, contributing context-specific insights to inform clinical management and preventive strategies.