Cancer treatment is rarely easy. While patients are understandably focused on defeating the disease, it’s important not to overlook the side effects that accompany treatment—such as hearing loss—that can affect their long-term quality of life. Chemotherapy, a powerful treatment often used to fight various forms of cancer, is known to cause a range of side effects. Hearing loss, while not always widely recognized as one of them, can be a serious concern.
When undergoing cancer treatment, it’s essential to communicate openly with your healthcare team about potential side effects, including hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), or balance issues. By staying informed, you can be better prepared to address these complications and maintain a fulfilling, active lifestyle after your treatment.
Types of cancer treatments and their side effects
Cancer treatment options have evolved significantly in recent decades, leading to new, more effective approaches. Today, the primary treatments for cancer are surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Each treatment has its strengths and limitations, and doctors will recommend the most suitable option based on the type of cancer, the patient’s medical history, and other factors.
It’s important to understand that not all cancer treatments affect hearing or balance. In fact, hearing loss and balance issues are primarily linked to chemotherapy, with other treatments like surgery or radiation typically not causing these problems.
What is chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy involves using powerful medications to target and kill cancer cells. While these treatments are effective in fighting cancer, they also come with a variety of side effects, which can range from mild to severe. Some of the most common chemotherapy side effects include:
- Fatigue
- Mouth sores
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hair loss, including nose hairs
- Hearing loss
- Weakened immune system
The severity and type of side effects vary from person to person and depend on the combination of drugs used. While some chemotherapy side effects, such as hair loss, are well-known, hearing loss often goes unnoticed.
Does chemotherapy cause hearing loss?
Chemotherapy can indeed lead to hearing loss, particularly when platinum-based drugs, such as cisplatin, are used. Cisplatin is commonly prescribed to treat cancers of the head, neck, and gynecological regions.
The precise mechanism behind chemotherapy-induced hearing loss isn’t fully understood, but research suggests that platinum-based drugs damage the tiny hair cells in the inner ear that are responsible for transmitting sound signals to the brain. Over time, this damage leads to permanent hearing loss, particularly affecting high-frequency sounds.
Why should you care about hearing loss during cancer treatment?
Patients may not prioritize hearing loss during chemotherapy, especially when they are focused on fighting the cancer itself. However, untreated hearing loss can have significant long-term effects on overall health and well-being, even during cancer treatment:
- Social Isolation: Hearing loss can make communication more difficult, leading to feelings of isolation. This, in turn, can worsen other health conditions and hinder the ability to seek help or manage daily tasks.
- Mental Health Impact: Untreated hearing loss has been linked to an increased risk of depression and anxiety. Combining this with the emotional toll of cancer treatment can create additional mental health challenges.
- Balance Issues: Chemotherapy-induced hearing loss can also lead to problems with balance. This increases the risk of falls and accidents, which can be especially dangerous during cancer recovery.
- Tinnitus: In addition to hearing loss, some patients may experience tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, which can further complicate recovery and cause additional distress.
The importance of monitoring hearing health during treatment
If you’re undergoing chemotherapy, it’s crucial to take steps to protect and monitor your hearing. Scheduling a hearing evaluation with a specialist can help you establish a baseline for your hearing health, making it easier to detect any changes in your hearing over time.
Regular check-ups with a hearing specialist can help ensure that you have the right tools and support in place should you begin to experience hearing loss or balance issues. Early detection of hearing changes allows you to take appropriate action to manage symptoms and prevent further complications.
Can chemotherapy-induced hearing loss be reversed?
Unfortunately, hearing loss caused by chemotherapy is typically permanent. This type of hearing loss, called sensorineural hearing loss, is irreversible, no matter the cause. However, while the loss itself cannot be reversed, there are treatments available to manage the effects.
Hearing aids or other assistive devices can help amplify sounds and improve communication, allowing individuals to maintain a high quality of life. Additionally, some patients may benefit from balance therapy or other interventions to address related symptoms like dizziness or tinnitus.
Taking care of your hearing health
While it may seem like one more thing to manage during cancer treatment, caring for your hearing health is an important step in ensuring your overall well-being. Talk to your oncologist about the possibility of hearing loss and other side effects.
By staying proactive, you can better manage the challenges of chemotherapy-related hearing loss. Although you may not be able to prevent it, you can take steps to monitor your hearing, minimize its impact, and live a fuller, more enjoyable life after cancer.
Want to get a baseline hearing test or learn more about managing chemotherapy-induced hearing loss? Find a qualified hearing care provider near you.
