Auditory Brainstem Responses in Patients under Treatment of Hemodialysis

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of end stage chronic renal failure (CRF) on auditory function and changes in auditory function following a single session of hemodialysis. The experimental group included 31 patients with end-stage renal failure on chronic hemodialysis. The control group consisted of 31 healthy volunteers. The patients were examined prior to and following a session of hemodialysis. Measurements included pure tone audiometry, tympanometry and acoustic reflex measurements, auditory brainstem responses (ABR), and blood now chemistry parameters. Controls underwent the same test battery, with the exception of biochemical and hematological assessment. Prior to hemodialysis sessions, all ABR latencies except interpeak latency I-III were significantly prolonged in the experimental group. A comparison between controls and the experimental group following hemodialysis indicated that wave V absolute latency and interpeak latencies III-V and I-V were significantly prolonged in the slow repetition rate paradigm. In the fast repetition rate, absolute latencies of waves I and V and III-V interpeak latencies were prolonged in the experimental group. Comparison of ABR recordings prior to and following hemodialysis showed overall significant difference between the measures. Post hoc analysis showed a significant improvement in wave I and V latencies in the slow repetition rate and wave V latency in the fast repetition rate. This study showed that neural conduction along the auditory pathway is delayed in patients with end stage CRF as compared to healthy subjects. Dialysis sessions improve overall neural auditory function. However, patients with end stage CRF show delayed conduction even after a session of hemodialysis.

Evaluation of central neuropathy in patients of chronic renal failure with normal hearing

“…Almost similar results were seen in a study by Aspris et al [10] and Balzer. [11] Aspris et al [10] found delay in all wave latencies except inter-peak latency I-III and Balzer et al [11] found delay in all wave latencies in patients of CRF.…”

“…[11] Aspris et al [10] found delay in all wave latencies except inter-peak latency I-III and Balzer et al [11] found delay in all wave latencies in patients of CRF. Antonielli et al [2] found a delay in wave latency of I-III and I-V in patients of CRF with normal hearing.…”

Otorhinolaryngological dysfunctions induced by chronic kidney disease in pre- and post-transplant stages

“…DPOAEs were absent in a significant number of patients with CKD in various studies [10]. Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) is an objective non-invasive electrophysiological test measuring the retrocochlear part of the auditory pathway, up to the brainstem level, in response to sounds [11].…”

“…Several authors presented that patients with ESKD expressed slower neural auditory conduction defined by prolongation of ABR waves [11]. It was concluded that in patients with CRD conduction times in ABR test were improved after the session of hemodialysis, nevertheless hearing never returned to normal [11]. Differences in ABR responses before and after hemodialysis might have resulted from various calcium ions (Ca++) levels [11].…”

Clinical Manifestations of Aural Fullness

“…In addition, a study based of DPOAE and PTA found that hypertension was a high risk factor for hearing loss 6. Other studies also showed a possible association between aural fullness and other diseases, such as delayed neural conduction of the auditory pathway during chronic renal failure and numerous cases of hearing loss among phonophobia patients with migraines 7,8. Depression has also been linked to hearing loss and vision impairments 9,10.…”