Research shows that cancer survivors receiving chemotherapy are more likely to experience auditory issues such as hearing loss and tinnitus.
In a study of more than 600 survivors published in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship, nearly 70% of those receiving neurotoxic chemotherapy experienced chemotherapy-induced neuropathy (CIN). CIN may include nerve and musculoskeletal pain. From this group, 48% experienced hearing loss and/or tinnitus, while 42% without CIN experienced some form of auditory issues.
There were some key differences between those experiencing CIN and those who did not have those symptoms.
Those with CIN tended to be older, unemployed, increased levels of perceived stress and an overall poorer quality of life. The study’s authors recommended cancer survivors experiencing CIN visited audiologists to treat their ototoxicity issues.
Another link between chemotherapy and hearing loss and tinnitus stems from the use of certain drugs which are ototoxic (damage hearing). These drugs can damage the nerves and tissues of the ear. Medications containing the metal platinum have been known to compromise the myelin sheath, a protective membrane around the ear’s nerves.
These platinum-heavy drugs include:
- Carboplatin – Often used in the treatment of lung, ovarian, cervical, breast, testicular and bladder cancers, among others
- Cisplatin – Treats non-small cell lung, head and neck, testicular, cervical, bladder and ovarian cancer
- Oxaliplatin – Often treats colorectal cancer
Cancer patients should talk with their doctor about the potential side effects of ototoxic drugs and what it may mean to their quality of life following treatment. Hearing damage from these medications may be permanent or temporary, depending on factors such as the type of drug, duration of use and dosage.
For more information on services available at Audio Help Hearing Centers in New York City, Scarsdale, New York and Stamford, Connecticut, schedule an appointment online or call us at 888-290-1194.
