Cochlear Function in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Cross-sectional Evaluation in Sokoto, Northwestern Nigeria

Abstract Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cochlear function share similarities and advancing CKD stages may lead to otologic symptoms like hearing loss. This study aimed to assess the relationship between the CKD stage and hearing threshold in Sokoto, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 62 CKD patients (124 ears) using convenience sampling. Patients were grouped based on CKD stage using KDIGO 2012 guidelines. Pure-tone audiometry was performed, and hearing thresholds were compared across stages. Results: The mean age was 45.34 ± 12.71 years, with 74.2% males and 25.8% females. Of 124 ears, 56.5% had hearing loss, with a significant relationship between the CKD stage and hearing loss ( P < 0.001). Hearing loss prevalence increased with the advancing stage: 5.7% (Stage I), 8.6% (Stage II), 15.7% (Stage III), 27.1% (Stage IV), and 42.9% (Stage V). Hearing loss severity also worsened with the advancing stage. Conclusion: This study found a statistically significant relationship between CKD stage and hearing loss, with more severe hearing loss in advanced stages. The findings suggest that CKD patients, especially those in later stages, are at increased risk of hearing loss. This study highlights the need for routine audiological screening and monitoring of hearing loss in CKD patients.