The relationship between sensorineural hearing loss and chronic kidney disease: Results from a population-based cohort study

Abstract Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant public health issue associated with multiple complications, including hearing loss. This population-based cross-sectional study, conducted from 2017 to 2021 in southwest Iran, evaluated the relationship between CKD and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) among 1,365 participants aged 35–70 years from the Hoveyzeh ear cohort study. Demographic data, comorbidities (e.g., diabetes, hypertension), CKD status, and hearing information were analyzed. After adjusting for confounders via multiple logistic regression, CKD was significantly associated with SNHL (adjusted OR = 2.19; 95% CI: 1.16–4.13). The prevalence of SNHL in CKD patients was 70.49% (95% CI: 57.94–80.56). Age, male gender, diabetes, noise exposure, and ear infections were also linked to higher odds of SNHL, while hypertension showed no significant association. These findings highlight CKD as an independent risk factor for SNHL and underscore the importance of monitoring hearing health in CKD patients to address comorbid complications.