ANALYSIS OF HEARING IMPAIRMENT IN CHILDREN WITH CHRONIC RENAL FAILURE

Introduction: The cochlea and kidney have similar physiological mechanisms, namely the active transport of fluid and electrolytes performed by the stria vascularis and the glomerulus, respectively. They may also have common antigenicity. Objectives of the study: The basic aim of the study is to analyze the hearing impairment in children with chronic renal failure. Material and methods: This study was conducted at Children Hospital Complex & ICH, Multan during Jan 2018 to April 2018. This prospective study carried out 50 patients of both genders and age range 10 years to 15 years. Renal failure was diagnosed by elevated level of blood urea and serum creatinine and associated oliguria. Haemodialysis was done in 14 patients. Results: Ten out of the 14 cases (71.42%) had undergone for haemodialysis; at least once (1 case), twice (2 cases), thrice (6 cases) and 4 times (1 case). Thus, 4 out of these 10 cases (40%) had a hearing loss of over 75 db and had undergone for HDs 3–4 times. In contrast only 4 out of 36 cases without SNHL had undergone for haemodialysis; once (1 case), twice (1 case) or thrice (2 cases). Thus, the degree of hearing loss correlated with the number of haemodialysis (HDs) as seen. Conclusion: It is concluded that there is a possible link between kidney function and hearing loss, as suggested by our study, potentially could modify the usual care of people with CKD.