Extending the Ear-Kidney Association to Presbycusis

Understanding the causes of presbycusis is a major goal of health research because it is such a common human condition. The ear-kidney association has been known at least since the early 20th century, when the Alport and branchio-oto-renal syndromes were described. It was also noted that the cochlea and kidney share the presence of pericytes and podocytes in the glomeruli and inner ear, indicating similarities in microcirculation. The ear and kidney have in common some forms of organ-specific toxic effects (eg, due to treatment with aminoglycosides or cisplatin), and both organs are actively engaged in ion transport functions to maintain homeostasis. On the other hand, there has been little evidence that the ear-kidney association might be important in presbycusis.

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