Chronic Kidney Disease

37 million
1 in 7
90%
More than ½
Smaller than 1¢

Did you know that, according to the National Kidney Foundation:

“Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, causes more deaths than breast cancer or prostate cancer. It is the under-recognized public health crisis. It affects an estimated 37 million people in the U.S. (15% of the adult population; more than 1 in 7 adults). and approximately 90% of those with CKD don’t even know they have it.”

Given these remarkable facts, it is estimated that among 37 million American adults with chronic kidney disease, 54% have some hearing loss.

“90% of those with CKD don’t even know they have it.”

“54% have some hearing loss”

What might the reasons be?

It is hard to believe a bony structure about this size  contains the inner ear’s cochlea with intricate blood vessels and sensitive hair-cells that receive sound and affect hearing. To better understand potential impacts of blood flow, we learn about kidney function.

Located below the rib cage, on each side of your spine, kidneys are two bean-shaped organs about the size of a fist. Systemically, they remove wastes, extra fluids and acids from your body, while helping maintain ideal balances of water, salts and minerals in your blood. Without this continuous cleansing process, nerves, muscles and other tissues may not work well, including specialized functions of your inner ear’s miniscule cochlea.

Most people may not have any severe symptoms until their kidney disease is advanced. However, you may notice that you:

• feel more tired and have less energy
• have trouble concentrating
• have a poor appetite
• have trouble sleeping
• have muscle cramping at night
• have swollen feet and ankles
• need to urinate more often, especially at night.

Now that you know, who do you know?

Do you have chronic kidney disease or know anyone receiving dialysis treatment? Please see us or encourage them to get periodic evaluations to accurately assess type and degree of hearing loss. In close coordination with other medical specialists, we will suggest healthy options to improve your quality of life and awareness of hearing-related CKD risk factors.