If you notice ringing, buzzing, or hissing in your ears, you may have tinnitus. This symptom can be an occasional annoyance or a constant distraction. It can feel especially stressful when you’re already living with kidney cancer.

In most cases, kidney cancer doesn’t directly cause tinnitus or other hearing problems. But kidney issues, especially chronic kidney disease (CKD), and hearing changes can sometimes happen together.

Here’s some background on the relationship between your kidneys and your ears. You’ll also find tips on possible treatments.

Kidney Cancer, Kidney Disease, and Hearing Loss

It’s rare for kidney cancer to cause hearing problems like tinnitus or hearing loss. But the kidneys and ears share similarities in how they work.

In addition, kidney disease (which commonly affects people with kidney cancer) has possible links to hearing issues. Here’s more on the relationship between these three conditions.

Metastatic Kidney Cancer

One rare case was reported where a man had kidney cancer that metastasized (spread) to his skull. He experienced hearing loss and tinnitus. However, this is very unlikely for any type of cancer, especially kidney cancer.

Increased Risk of Kidney Disease

CKD isn’t unusual in people with kidney cancer. Studies suggest that up to 36 percent of people with renal cell carcinoma (RCC), the most common form of kidney cancer, have CKD.

Sometimes the kidney tumor itself can affect how well the kidney works. This is more likely if the tumor is large or advanced.

Other times, these two kidney problems are both caused by shared risk factors. For example, if someone has hypertension (high blood pressure) or diabetes, they also have higher chances of kidney cancer and kidney disease.

Finally, surgery for kidney cancer can affect how well the kidney works. Even kidney-sparing surgeries, which save the healthy kidney tissue around the tumor, may affect the kidney’s ability to work normally.

Hearing Problems and Kidney Disease

Because kidney disease is more common in people with kidney cancer, it may help explain why some people in this group also have hearing issues.

Several studies have looked at the relationship between kidney disease, tinnitus, and hearing loss. But researchers still haven’t come to a clear conclusion.

Some medications can harm both the kidneys and the ears, which may contribute to kidney problems and hearing changes. Small studies have noted higher rates of hearing loss in people receiving dialysis for kidney failure.

Evidence directly connecting tinnitus and kidney disease isn’t as strong. Some studies show a potential relationship, and others don’t. More research is needed to investigate the possible connection.

Kidney Cancer Treatment

Some kidney cancer treatments can cause ear damage and affect your hearing. This is known as ototoxicity.

Surgery

Surgery is usually the first step for treating kidney cancer. Sometimes, it’s the only step needed.

Procedures such as partial or total nephrectomy remove part or all of a kidney. Surgery itself doesn’t directly affect hearing. But it can reduce kidney function, with potential indirect effects on hearing over time.

Systemic Treatments

Systemic treatments for kidney cancer include targeted therapies and immunotherapies. These treatments go through the bloodstream to attack cancer cells throughout the body.

Although these treatments have side effects, hearing loss and tinnitus aren’t common ones. That said, high blood pressure is a possible side effect.

Studies suggest that people with high blood pressure may be more likely to have tinnitus or hearing loss. These issues may improve once blood pressure gets back under control.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy (chemo) is another type of systemic cancer treatment. Certain chemotherapy drugs are well known for causing hearing loss or tinnitus. These include medications like cisplatin.

However, most people with kidney cancer don’t receive chemo. Chemotherapy may be used in rare types of kidney cancer or if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome

A rare genetic condition called von Hippel-Lindau syndrome (VHL) raises the risk of kidney and other types of cancer. Specifically, between 25 percent and 60 percent of people with this disorder develop clear cell renal carcinoma.

VHL usually leads to tumors throughout the body. Some aren’t cancerous but can still get in the way of normal body functions. Depending on where tumors grow, hearing loss and tinnitus can be common symptoms.

Genetic testing is the only way to tell if someone has VHL. If VHL runs in your family or you have suspicious symptoms, your healthcare provider can help you decide if you should get screened.

Other Factors To Consider

There are many causes of hearing loss and tinnitus. Most aren’t related to kidney cancer.

Usual Causes of Hearing Loss and Tinnitus

Up to 20 percent of older adults have tinnitus. Hearing loss is the fourth leading cause of disability worldwide. Two in three people age 70 or older have hearing loss.

Over time, delicate hair-like cells in the ear can become damaged, especially with exposure to loud noise. This damage can affect hearing. Damaged ear cells may also send abnormal signals to the brain, which can lead to tinnitus.

Both tinnitus and hearing loss can be age-related. Ear injuries or circulation problems increase the risk. Hearing changes have been linked to various conditions, including:

• Anemia
• Autoimmune diseases
• Bone or joint disorders
• Head and neck injuries
• Heart disease (high cholesterol and high blood pressure)
• Meniere’s disease, an inner ear disorder
• Migraine

Temporary Causes

In some cases, hearing loss and tinnitus are temporary. Pressure can build up in the ear because of an ear infection or blockage.

Certain medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antibiotics, diuretics, and antidepressants, can also cause hearing changes. If you notice these side effects, your healthcare provider may suggest an alternative treatment.

Managing Tinnitus and Hearing Loss

Hearing issues can significantly affect your quality of life. They can affect your sleep and concentration and make it harder to communicate and connect with others.

Contact your healthcare provider if you notice changes in your hearing. They can run hearing tests and determine if the issue is related to an underlying health problem or your medical treatments.

Healthy lifestyle habits may improve your hearing or tinnitus symptoms. These include:

• Keeping your blood pressure under control
• Limiting alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine
• Protecting your ears from loud noises

In some cases, simple treatment options like changing your medication or clearing out earwax can help. Hearing aids can improve hearing for people with permanent hearing loss. For tinnitus, background noise, such as a fan or sound machine, can help make the ringing less noticeable.

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