There’s no question that cancer treatment is a rigorous process. While it’s designed to target cancer cells, some treatments can also impact other areas of health, including hearing. Many cancer patients are unaware that chemotherapy and other treatments may cause hearing loss as a side effect.
By understanding the potential impact, taking proactive steps, and staying on top of hearing evaluations, however, you can better manage your hearing health throughout your treatment journey. Here, we’ll explore the connection between cancer treatment and hearing loss, explain why regular hearing evaluations are important, and show you how our Mesa and Scottsdale audiologists can help.
How Can Cancer Treatment Cause Hearing Loss?
Chemotherapy drugs, radiation therapy, and some other medications used in cancer treatment are known to have potential side effects on hearing. Here are a few reasons why cancer treatment may lead to hearing loss:
- Ototoxicity: Certain chemotherapy drugs, such as cisplatin and carboplatin, are known to be ototoxic. This means they can damage the ear structures responsible for hearing. The damage may result in partial or complete hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), or balance issues.
- Radiation Therapy: When radiation is targeted near the head or neck, it can impact the auditory nerves and inner ear structures, potentially leading to hearing loss.
- Medications: Other drugs used during cancer treatment, including high doses of antibiotics or diuretics, may also contribute to hearing changes.
The risk of hearing loss can vary based on factors like the type of cancer, specific medications, dosage, and the individual’s existing health conditions.
Why Is a Baseline Hearing Test Important Before Cancer Treatment?
A baseline hearing test is a vital first step for anyone about to undergo cancer treatment. This test allows an audiologist to establish a record of your hearing levels before treatment begins, providing a point of comparison for future tests. Here’s why it’s so important:
- Establishes a Baseline: Knowing your hearing ability before starting treatment is critical. A baseline test allows both you and your audiologist to track any changes in hearing over time, making it easier to detect early signs of hearing loss.
- Informed Treatment Decisions: If your oncologist is aware of potential hearing risks, they may adjust the treatment plan accordingly. They may choose alternatives when possible to help protect your hearing health.
- Helps with Timely Intervention: With a baseline hearing evaluation, your audiologist can detect even minor hearing changes during and after cancer treatment. This allows for timely intervention and more effective hearing loss treatment.
The Importance of Ongoing Hearing Evaluations During and After Cancer Treatment
Ongoing hearing evaluations are just as essential as the initial baseline hearing test. Regular assessments allow you to monitor your hearing health throughout treatment, so any hearing changes can be addressed as soon as possible. Here’s how ongoing evaluations can help:
- Early Detection of Changes: Cancer treatments can affect hearing gradually or suddenly. Regular hearing tests allow audiologists to detect changes early on, potentially preventing further damage.
- Adjustments to Treatment: If hearing loss or other hearing issues are detected, your oncologist may be able to adjust your treatment plan. Options may include lowering the dose of certain drugs or exploring alternative treatments to reduce the risk of additional hearing damage.
- Symptom Management: Many cancer patients experience tinnitus or balance issues in addition to hearing loss. Ongoing evaluations can help identify these symptoms early. Then, you and your audiologist can take steps to manage them and improve your quality of life.
How Our Mesa and Scottsdale Audiologists Can Help You Manage Hearing Health During Cancer Treatment
Our audiologists understand that cancer treatment is a journey with many steps, and we’re here to support you in protecting your hearing health throughout. Here’s how we can help:
- Baseline Hearing Test: We’ll start with a comprehensive baseline hearing test before treatment begins. This gives us and you a clear record of your hearing ability that can be referenced throughout your treatment.
- Personalized Monitoring Plan: Based on your unique needs, we can set up a monitoring schedule to track any changes in your hearing during and after your cancer treatment.
- Treatment Support and Guidance: If you experience hearing loss, tinnitus, or balance issues, our team can help you explore solutions. Whether that involves assistive devices, hearing aids, or strategies for managing tinnitus, we’re here to help you navigate these challenges.
- Post-Treatment Care: Once treatment is completed, we’ll continue to monitor your hearing to detect any long-term changes and provide support for any residual hearing issues.
If you or a loved one is starting cancer treatment, taking steps to protect your hearing health is an essential part of overall care. By working with our audiologists in Mesa and Scottsdale, you’ll have access to compassionate, professional support designed to help you manage hearing challenges before, during, and after treatment.
Contact us today to schedule a baseline hearing test and learn more about how we can help you maintain your hearing health through every step of your treatment journey.
Additional resources about cancer treatment and hearing loss:
- NIH & National Cancer Institute: Common Chemotherapy Drugs Seem to Increase Hearing Loss in Some Adults
- Harvard Health Publishing: Chemotherapy and Hearing Loss
