Cancer impacts all of us. Whether you’ve battled it yourself, cared for a loved one, or followed the journey of someone with cancer, it’s never an easy process.
While cancer treatments have come a long way, they can still come with significant side effects, including hearing loss, balance issues and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). We’ve put together some information on hearing changes related to cancer treatment to help you make informed decisions and navigate any post-treatment effects you may experience.
What types of cancer treatments can cause hearing loss?
According to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, “Chemotherapy, and radiation or surgery involving the ear or auditory nerve can all cause damage to the ear, called ototoxicity, that can affect hearing. Changes can include hearing loss (from mild to severe), tinnitus (ringing in the ears), or vertigo (a feeling of dizziness).”
People who receive platinum- or taxane-containing chemotherapy have about a 50% chance of developing hearing-related side effects. Young children and older adults are most at risk for this complication.
Radiation therapy to the brain, head or neck area may also impact your hearing. This risk increases with higher doses of radiation or for those who have both platinum chemotherapy and radiation treatments as part of their protocol.
As you might imagine, surgery to remove cancerous growths from the ear or auditory system can also come with the risk of hearing loss. And certain types of antibiotics, especially aminoglycosides, carry a possibility of hearing loss as well.
How can I tell if my cancer treatment is affecting my hearing?
Many people underestimate the degree to which their hearing loss is affecting their daily lives. Common early symptoms of hearing loss include:
- Asking people to repeat themselves frequently.
- Difficulty hearing people over the phone or in noisy environments.
- Missing household sounds, like the doorbell or a timer beeping.
- Concerns from your family and friends about your hearing.
What can I do about hearing loss from cancer treatment?
First and foremost, talk with your oncologist or primary care provider about your concerns. Weighing the risks and benefits of any medical decision is something only you, your health care team and your family can do.
It can be difficult to process all the information that comes your way when you’re dealing with a significant health issue like cancer. If you are also struggling to hear on top of that, let your care team know. They can provide information in writing, explain it differently or use amplification technology to make it easier for you to understand them.
Also, get connected with a doctoral-level audiologist, like one of our team members at Associated Audiologists. Even if you aren’t having any issues with your hearing yet, it’s good to get a baseline hearing evaluation to accurately assess your hearing and monitor any changes over time.
Will my hearing get better?
Some people experience only temporary hearing or tinnitus issues related to their cancer treatment protocols. However, often the hearing loss is permanent.
The good news is that hearing aid technology can be an excellent resource for people with hearing loss, including hearing loss from cancer treatment. There are many great options available, and your audiologist can walk you through all of them to help you find the right fit for your needs.
Our team at Associated Audiologists looks forward to helping you hear your best for life, no matter what the circumstances. Schedule an appointment today.
