Association of chronic kidney disease and risk of hearing loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives The association between Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and Hearing Loss (HL) is intricate. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to explore the potential association between CKD and the risk of hearing loss. Methods We conducted a comprehensive search from the inception of the databases up to February 2, 2025, aimed at exploring the relationship between Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and Hearing Loss (HL). Synthesis and meta-analysis of odds ratios, along with their corresponding 95% Confidence Intervals, were performed using Stata 14.0. Funnel plot analysis and Egger’s regression test were applied to assess potential publication bias. Results Ten articles involving 1,392,700 participants were included. CKD patients exhibited an increased risk of developing Hearing Loss (HL) (OR = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.13–1.98). Subgroup analysis revealed a higher risk of HL in cohort studies (OR = 1.77; 95% CI: 1.07–2.94) and a greater risk of HL in Asian countries (OR = 1.56; 95% CI: 1.06–2.29), with China showing a higher risk of HL than South Korea (OR = 1.85; 95% CI: 0.93–3.36; I 2 = 98.0%). Male CKD patients were more likely to develop HL than females (OR = 1.52; 95% CI: 0.98–2.37). CKD patients aged 45–64 had the highest risk of hearing loss (OR = 1.68; 95% CI: 1.07–2.63). Conclusions Our meta-analysis shows that CKD increases the risk of developing HL. These findings provide evidence that CKD should be considered an independent risk factor for HL.