HEARING
Numerous studies have linked untreated hearing loss to a wide range of physical and emotional conditions.
People with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) should have their hearing tested as research shows that hearing loss is common in people with moderate CKD.
Published in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases, and highlighted on the National Kidney Foundation web site, a team of Australian researchers found that older adults with moderate CKD have a higher prevalence of hearing loss than those of the same age without CKD.
“Hearing loss is commonly linked to syndromal kidney disease,” said Professor David Harris, Associate Dean of Sydney Medical School – Westmead at the University of Sydney.
“However, this study suggests a strong tie to CKD in general,” said Harris. “The link can be explained by structural and functional similarities between tissues in the inner ear and in the kidney. Additionally, toxins that accumulate in kidney failure can damage nerves – including those in the inner ear.”
Hearing Loss Can Cause Depression and Anxiety
Physicians and allied healthcare professionals should encourage people who are suspected of hearing loss to seek appropriate screening, diagnosis and treatment.
Untreated hearing loss can have very significant consequences on a person’s quality of life. The fact is that only moderate hearing loss left untreated has been found to be the sole cause depression and anxiety.
Numerous studies have linked untreated hearing loss to a wide range of physical and emotional conditions, including impaired memory and ability to learn new tasks, reduced alertness, and increased risk to personal safety, irritability, negativism, anger, fatigue, tension, stress, depression, and diminished psychological and overall health.
Treated hearing loss has proven to be beneficial, including:
- Relationships with children and grandchildren
- Willingness to participate in group activities
- Sense of independence
- Sense of Safety
- Ability to participate in card/board games
- Social Life
- Physical health
- Less dependence on others
- Relationships at work
- Ability to play sports
- Better sex life
Galvin
Physicians and allied healthcare professionals should encourage people who are suspected of hearing loss to seek appropriate screening, diagnosis and treatment – especially their older patients. Many older adults with significant hearing impairments tend to deny the extent of their hearing loss, therefore professional discussions of the effects of hearing loss with patients and screening is important.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Terrence P. Galvin, BC-H.I.S., is the owner of Sound Hearing Centers in Merritt Island and Titusville, Florida, and is National Board Certified in Hearing Instrument Sciences. For more information log on to SoundHearingCenters.org or e-mail SoundHearing@bellsouth.net.
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