SENSORINEURAL HEARING-LOSS IN PATIENTS REACHING CHRONIC-RENAL-FAILUREIN CHILDHOOD

The incidence of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) was investigated in 68 patients who reached chronic renal failure (CRF) in childhood with the aim of identifying possible risk factors. Tests were carried out by means of pure-tone and impedance audiometry. SNHL was found in 29% of patients on conservative treatment, 28% of patients on hemodialysis , and 47% after renal transplantation. Differences among groups were n ot significant. A significant correlation was found with the administr ation of ototoxic drugs (aminoglycosides and furosemide). We hypothesi ze that SNHL may be reduced in patients with CRF or on renal replaceme nt therapy by strictly monitoring ototoxic therapy.