How are kidneys related to a person’s hearing ability? The answers might surprise you.

Kidneys are important. They help us filter out waste, regulate blood pressure, produce certain hormones and keep our electrolytes stable.

People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a higher incidence of hearing loss than the rest of the population. Both the kidneys and hearing mechanisms function similarly at the cellular level. Poor kidney function means the kidneys don’t filter waste as they should. This allows toxins to accumulate, which can damage the hearing nerves.

Risk factors in CKD include diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and a family history. These risks increase with age.

To keep your kidneys as vital as possible, follow your doctor’s advice and eat healthy, exercise regularly and maintain a healthy body weight. Hydrate, but don’t overdo it. Be careful when using herbal remedies and supplements, and don’t overuse over-the-counter pain medications. Quit smoking and avoid heavy alcohol consumption.