Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Support Group

Hi Mark,
I do not think that your hearing issue is connected to PKD. More than likely, you just have some upper respiratory congestion which is causing your problem. I don't have PKD, but I get the same hearing thing as you describe at times. What is your creatinine? Are you close to ESRD? I really don't think it's related at all, but when in doubt you are always better off checking with your nephrologist or internist.

Hi!

I thought that there was a connection too when I had the same problem, but it was just a bad ear wax day.

It seems that we tend to make associations too fast. I think I know where you got that association from too. In chinese medicine, the kidney is related to ears, but the kidneys are also related to sex. The kidneys we know are called internal kidneys and the testicles/ovaries are the external kidneys. Do you have a problem in this area too? (I am being nice, so you don't have to answer that).

Go to the pharmacy. Pick up a ear wax remover kit. Drip several drops in your ear. Let dissolve for several minutes, then flush with water using the ear flusher. Repeat each day until clear.

Waterrat,
You're probably right that I'm jumping to conclusions. I will try the earwax treatment, and also try to steam it out. I might well have a sinus infection that's reached my ears.
Thanks for the advice!
Mark

Lets see, my dad had PKD, used a hearing aid, same with both of my sisters that had PKD. I'am beginning to notice that my hearing is just as you described, it's muffled and I'am always saying, "pardon me" I thought it was a family thing until I asked my kidney doc about it and he confirmed that lose of hearing does go hand in hand with PKD. for what it's worth from only one doctor.

I'm not sure, but I have incredibly, annoyingly, good hearing. I wake up in the middle of the night when my neighbors turn on their TV (and I don't live in a connected house) and no one else can hear it.

I've had times when my ears were like you said and it was a sinus issue, not necessarily an infection, just an issue. Maybe just a random allergy.

Did you know that allergies are developed and you aren't born with them. Certain things make you more prone to developing certain allergies. So just because you weren't allergic to something like, let's say poison ivy or pollen, doesn't mean you won't ever be. Things like keeping you immune system good (being healthy) can help prevent you from developing an allergy. And controlled exposure can help you overcome some allergies (like bee stings and cat dander).

I'm just saying it could be a sinus issue related to a new allergy (it is allergy season after all).

If you are worried about you kidney funtion though you should definantely ask your neph.

No hearing problems here. All I have is some directly work-related hearing loss at certain frequencies due prolonged exposure to very loud noise like main frame computers, jet enginees and rocket launches (fun career but it wreaked havoc on my hearing). Otherwise I have frustratingly good hearing, much to my husband's chagrin.

Allergies, wax buildup (you can be amazed what can build up in your ears) and congestion are the most likely causes. Check with your doctor. He/she can check your ears, flush them with warm water to remove any foreign objects or excess wax (my husband once had what seemed to be a bird's nest in his ear which he only discovered when we were taking scuba diving class and his ears hurt when he went to the bottom of the pool, even when he cleared his ears properly). Do not put anything larger than your elbow in your ear; you don't want to damage your ear drum. And before you use any of the OTC ear wax products, it's best to get your ears checked by the doctor first to rule out any underlying ear problems first (the OTC products can cause more harm than good if used when you have a hole in or ruptured eardrum).

To properly clear your ears, open your mouth and gently pinch off your nose, then blow gently. You should hear you ears gently pop, indicating you've equalized the pressure on both sides of your eardrums. Be sure to keep your mouth open and don't blow hard; you can cause damage otherwise. If you can't clear your ears, see you doctor. And if the heaviness persists or you think you have something in your ears, see your doctor.

Good luck!
Ruth