Shingles & Hearing Loss
February 15, 2022
Agter die skerms – Franja du Plessis – Musiekvideo “My Lief”
February 15, 2022
“A child who has one developmental problem may have other problems that arose at the same time: Kidney problems and hearing problems, for example, are often found together because both kidneys and the inner ears develop at the same time.” Dr. C. George Boeree
In utero is one example of a possible connection between ears and kidneys. Individuals with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) also presents with a higher likelihood of hearing loss.
Tissues of the kidney and the inner ear are similar and share a common metabolic function, therefore problems that affect kidney function can also damage the inner ear. High blood pressure, diabetes and a family history of CKD can increase your risk of developing kidney problems and hearing problems. High blood pressure can cause CKD and CKD can cause high blood pressure. Diabetes can cause damage to many organs in your body including the kidneys, heart, blood vessels and the inner ear. 
A genetic syndrome, Alport Syndrome, characterized by kidney disease, hearing loss and eye abnormalities is another instance of the connection between ears and kidneys.
People with Alport syndrome experience progressive loss of kidney function. Almost all affected individuals have blood in their urine (hematuria), which indicates abnormal functioning of the kidneys. Many people with Alport syndrome also develop high levels of protein in their urine (proteinuria). The kidneys become less able to function as this condition progresses, resulting in end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
People with Alport syndrome frequently develop sensorineural hearing loss, which is caused by abnormalities of the inner ear, during late childhood or early adolescence.
It seems like the relationship or connection between the ear and the kidney is multi-faceted, it remains an interesting connection.
It is recommended that individuals with kidney problems have their hearing assessed frequently.
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6 Comments
My tinnitus started after I had a specialized procedure whereby the surgeon placed a scope through my urethra all the way up to my kidney
I had severe kidney pain for a day followed by hematuria for a week after. I didn’t sleep for 3 days and emerged with tinnitus which had progressively become worse.
I am sorry to hear about your tinnitus, have you seen an audiologist for an evaluation? Regards Spectrum Audiologists | Yolande vd Westhuizen Audiologists
I have had ear problems since I was 19 and had my tonsils out. Also at 19 I had a mastoidectomy relating to bacteria growing in my left ear. It ate away my inner ear, bone and would have gone to my brain eventually. I have severe left hearing loss since.
Skip to when I was 40 and diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease which ended up with a kidney transplant at 60.
I am 72 now.
At 50 I needed grommets to hear as fluid buildup caused problems. I could not fly without them either as my ears don’t pop.
Recently I have diabetes, thyroid, parathyroid and liver problems but my transplanted kidney is doing ok.
My ears on the other hand are not draining and I went deaf in my right ear. I had a grommet inserted last November but the draining fluid comes out of my ear at night instead of down my neck when I lay down. I could hear better though after the grommet but now have an infection and need 2 lots of antibiotic ear drops 1 with steroids a nasal spray and augmenton 875.
Hearing has diminished but I am still positive.
I relate the 2 problems kidney and ears as one. They both have the same shape and as your site says they formed together inutero
I know you can’t do anything. Just wanted to tell someone my story.
HI Beverley, thank you for sharing your story – it is good to hear peoples experiences!
You are very welcome to let us know if we could ever be of assistance with your hearing challenges!
REgards
I am 72 and suffer from intermittent Menieres and intermittent kidney stone symptoms, hematuria and severe back pain. Onset of both @ early 50s. Lately my MD has changed . More frequent w less severe symptoms. I also have mid frequency,2000 and up hearing loss, and tinnitus. No ischemia.I am interested in the connections between these problems as a path to solutions.
Good day Joseph,
it is not impossible that there is a connection between your diagnosis and symptoms – I am however hesitant to comment on your symptoms without consulting you and examining you with a full medical case history. I woul recommend that you consult with a specialist in order to make a informed diagnosis and opinion.
Regards
Spectrum Hearing