Hearing loss
Ototoxicity
Ototoxicity is hearing loss that can result from treatment with chemotherapy or combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.
Ototoxicity from chemotherapy:
The chemotherapy agents that are most often associated with ototoxicity hearing loss are platinum-based drug such as:
- Cisplatin
The chemotherapy agents can cause damage to the tiny hair cells in the inner ear responsible for hearing. The hearing loss is progressive and irreversible.
Ototoxicity from radiation therapy:
It has been shown that the hearing loss is dependent on the dose of radiation near the ear and also on the dose of the chemotherapy either alone or in combination with radiation.
- The hearing loss may occur early in treatment but usually comes on slowly.
Testing:
A baseline audiogram may be recommended either before treatment or at the beginning.
Follow up:
Irreversible ototoxicity hearing loss can affect one’s quality of life after cancer treatment. Long-term follow up with recurring hearing tests may be done as needed.
Treatment:
A hearing aid may benefit those with moderate to severe hearing loss.
- Bowel function
- Eye changes
- Hearing loss
- Heart health
- Kidney and liver function
- Lung function
- Skin changes
