Moderate kidney disease associated to hearing loss

In the study, of adults aged 50 years and older, 54 percent of people with sensible kidney disease had some extent of hearing loss, while 30 percent of those with the disease suffered harsh hearing loss. That's higher than in the common population: According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, investigation loss affects 18 percent of U.S. adults aged 45 to 64. Earlier studies had shown a link between kidney disease and hearing loss in sure rare syndromes. However, the new study, published today in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases, expand on that by presentation that the link can exist for any older adult with kidney disease.

In the U.S., there are 31 million adults in the living with kidney disease, 7.5 million of whom have restrained forms. Given the new findings, researchers think that it is important for these patients to be aware of the link between their condition and hearing loss. "If you have kidney disease, you should discuss with your doctor about testing for hearing," said Dr. David Harris, a co-author of the study at Sydney Medical School in Australia. "It's a simple test, but will help you to take individual care if you do have a hearing impairment."

For most patients who lost hearing in the study, the loss was less than severe, only affecting decibel levels around that of a whisper or low discussion. Still, having a doctor help choose the suitable hearing aid can preserve hearing, say the authors. Because of the nature of the study, the results do not propose that kidney disease actually causes hearing loss, just that there is a link between the two. Dr. Robert Hopkin, who studies genetic disorders at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, also pointed out that although this study shows effects in a huge population, for individuals there is still large variability. In other words, just because you have kidney disease, doesn't mean you're necessarily going to suffer hearing loss.

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Move to curb marriages of public with genetic diseases

Marriage official and cleric has announced his plan to stop public with genetic diseases, or carrier of one, to marry. Shaikh Majeed Al Tublani has told Al Ayam that his move comes out of his belief that it is the social duty of those with genetic diseases to not tie the knot to protect the future generation. “I know that it is not a sin for ill couples to find married but it is a social mistake that should be corrected and I start with myself as the beginning.”

Although the tests are fixed for all before marriage, still who fail to undergo the tests are at liberty to marry should they decide to do so. They are, however, advised to think again their decision and warned that there is a high possibility that their children inherit the genetic disease. Health authorities face a tough task during the pre-marital screening to induce young Bahraini couples, who are genetic carriers to call off their wedding.

According to health statistics, over 59 per cent of couples went ahead and tied the knot despite affliction from genetic disorders and blood diseases. “During pre-nuptial blood tests, the largest challenge we face is to convince couples that they may face health complications if they marry,” Dr. Fahima Al Mutawa, head of the Maternal and Child Services at the health ministry, told Khaleej Times on Monday.

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