Audiological findings in children with chronic renal failure on regular hemodialysis

Abstract Background: The nephron in the kidney and the stria vascularis in the inner ear have many anatomical, physiological, and pathological similarities. Several studies have reported sensorineural hearing loss in adult chronic renal failure (CRF). However, there are only a few reported surveys on audiological affection in children with CRF. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the presence, type, and severity of hearing loss (HL) and to evaluate the relationship of reported HL with the duration of hemodialysis and biochemical and hematological data of children with CRF on regular hemodialysis. Patients and methods: This study included 30 patients with CRF on regular hemodialysis and 20 healthy children as a control group. All children were subjected to standard and extended high-frequency pure-tone audiometry, tympanometry, and otoacoustic emissions. Results: Among 60 ears examined, 50 ears showed sensorineural hearing loss (83.3%), mainly at high frequencies (64%) and of mild and moderate severity, with a highly statistically significant difference between pure-tone thresholds in the patients and the control groups across frequencies 500–8000 Hz. High-frequency thresholds were significantly higher for the patients with CRF. No significant relation was found with the duration of hemodialysis or biochemical and hematological parameters. Transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions testing showed absent emission in 20 ears and those with preserved transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions had significantly lower amplitudes in all frequencies. Conclusion: A high incidence of HL among children with CRF on regular hemodialysis was found in this study. Duration of hemodialysis treatment and biochemical and hematological parameters did not have a significant impact on HL. Thus, audiological evaluation must be considered in these children. © 2013, The Egyptian Oto - Rhino - Laryngological Society.