Kidney Week

Abstract: FR-PO0271

Albuminuria, but Not Reduced eGFR, Is Associated with Hearing Loss in Adults: A KDIGO Heatmap Analysis from KNHANES

Session Information

• CKD: Omics, Systemic Stressors, and Targeted Pharmacotherapy
  October 23, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
  Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Category: CKD (Non-Dialysis)

• 2201 CKD (Non-Dialysis): Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Prevention

Author

• Chong, Hye Jin, Sunchon National University, Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do, Korea (the Republic of)

Hye Jin Chong, PhD

Background

Whether albuminuria within the normal eGFR range is independently associated with hearing loss, and whether KDIGO-based classification adds risk discrimination beyond eGFR alone, remain unclear.

Methods

Korean adults aged ≥40 years in KNHANES 2020 and 2023 (n=7,418; complex survey design) were analyzed. eGFR (CKD-EPI 2021), UACR from spot urine, and KDIGO 5-group classification (G1A1 reference, G1A2–3, G2A1, G2A2–3, G3–G5) were modeled against hearing loss (better-ear pure-tone average at 0.5–4 kHz >25 dB) by survey-weighted logistic regression adjusted for demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, and clinical covariates (including DM, HTN, and occupational noise). Restricted cubic splines characterized dose-response.

Results

Hearing-loss prevalence was 25.2%. eGFR per 10 mL/min/1.73 m² was not associated with hearing loss (aOR 1.00, 0.93–1.08); log(UACR) was associated (aOR 1.17, 1.07–1.29, p<0.001). Only G1A2–3 (normal eGFR with albuminuria) showed elevated risk versus G1A1 (Table). In eGFR ≥90, A2 vs A1 aOR was 1.66 (1.10–2.51, p=0.016) with monotonic dose-response (Figure). G1A2–3 strengthened in non-DM (aOR 1.93) and non-HTN (aOR 3.02) subgroups; eGFR × albuminuria interaction was non-significant.

Conclusion

Albuminuria was associated with hearing loss even among adults with preserved eGFR, suggesting that microvascular kidney damage may contribute to sensory dysfunction before overt decline in kidney filtration function becomes apparent. These findings support the importance of incorporating albuminuria alongside eGFR when evaluating extra-renal complications associated with kidney health.