Sensorineural Hearing Loss as a Common Finding in Chronic Kidney Failure Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis

Abstract

Background: Chronic renal failure affects all organ systems. Senses are not exception and hearing impairment in this group of patients is very common, particularly sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). The aim of this study is to put in evidence the situation of sensorineural hearing in hemodialysis patients that are presented at our department. Methodology: This is a transversal study. In this study were included 65 patients.21 (32.3%) female patients and 44 (67.7%) male patients Study was performed in the American Hospital 2 of Tirana during years 2015-2016. 27 (41.5%) patients during 2015 and 38 (58.5 %) patients during 2016. Results: 81.5 % of patients under hemodialysis had sensorineural hearing loss. 18.5 % of patients under hemodialysis had normal hearing. 15.4% of patients had mild sensorineural hearing loss, 50.8% of patients had moderate sensorineural hearing loss, 9.2 % had severe sensorineural hearing loss and 6.2% of patients had profound hearing loss. Hearing loss was mostly in high frequencies but without a specific pattern. All patients with sensorineural hearing loss (100%) had two sides damage of hearing. Conclusions: Sensorineural hearing loss is very common in hemodialysis patients. The hearing loss affects more the high frequencies. In the patient care of hemodialysis patients should be included the routine hearing monitoring test.