Chemotherapy is a common cancer treatment that uses drugs to eliminate cancer cells and prevent tumor growth. While chemotherapy has proven to be a life-saving treatment, it often comes with a range of difficult side effects. You’re likely familiar with the fatigue, nausea and hair loss associated with the treatment but might not have learned how it affects your hearing. Let’s delve into how chemotherapy drugs can affect hearing and how you can prepare for the possibility.
How Do Chemotherapy Drugs Affect Hearing?
Certain chemotherapy drugs can lead to a condition called ototoxicity. Ototoxicity refers to the inner ear damage that can arise from taking certain medications. There are over 200 ototoxic medications currently in use. Among chemotherapy drugs, platinum-based ones like cisplatin and carboplatin are most commonly linked to hearing loss. In many cases, the benefits of these drugs in treating cancer outweigh the risk of ototoxicity.
Damage from ototoxic medications might not be immediately apparent. Symptoms can arise months or even years after treatment. Common signs of ototoxicity include:
- Hearing loss: Ranging from mild to profound in one or both ears
- Tinnitus: Persistent or intermittent ringing, buzzing or hissing sounds in the ears
- Balance issues: Difficulty maintaining balance, feeling unsteady when walking, running etc.
- Dizziness: Sensations of lightheadedness or vertigo
These symptoms often start mildly and may gradually worsen over time. Early detection and management are crucial. The likelihood of developing hearing loss depends on multiple factors, including the type of chemotherapy drug, dosage, duration of treatment and individual susceptibility. It’s essential to discuss the specific risks with your oncologist and audiologist. Understanding these risks can help you stay vigilant and recognize early signs of hearing loss, even if prevention isn’t always possible.
The Role of Hearing Aids
Hearing aids cannot reverse hearing loss but can significantly improve your quality of life. These small devices amplify sounds, making communicating and engaging with the world around you easier. They are designed to address various levels of hearing loss and are customized to meet your individual needs
Understanding the potential side effects is crucial in setting expectations if you are undergoing or about to start chemotherapy. Contact San Francisco Audiology today to discuss your hearing health with one of our specialists.