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Lance Nelson, AuD, CCC-A
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Apr 16, 2025
Receiving a cancer diagnosis initiates a challenging journey both emotionally and physically. As you prepare to face treatment, you're likely equipped with details about common side effects such as nausea, fatigue, and hair loss.
However, hearing loss and tinnitus are less frequently discussed, yet they are significant concerns that deserve attention.
With over two million new cancer cases projected in the U.S. by 2025, comprehending all possible side effects, including those on your hearing, is crucial for you and your loved ones.
Platinum-Based Chemotherapy and Hearing Loss
Platinum-based chemotherapeutic agents, including cisplatin and carboplatin, are pivotal in cancer treatment due to their effectiveness. Yet, their role in causing "ototoxicity" (damage to the inner ear) is a pressing issue.
Understanding ototoxicity involves recognizing how these medications harm the hair cells within your cochlea, leading to hearing impairments.
Studies indicate that over 43% of patients receiving cisplatin and carboplatin report hearing loss: approximately 49% with cisplatin, 13% with carboplatin, and 56% with a combination of both.
There is significant risk associated with these drugs, emphasizing the need for awareness about potential hearing damage alongside cancer treatment.
The Global and Personal Impact
The use of platinum-based drugs is extensive, with nearly one million patients treated globally each year. This results in an alarming rate of hearing impairments, affecting close to half a million individuals annually.
For cancer survivors, tinnitus is a common conflict, often accompanying hearing loss. This pervasive issue isn't confined to numbers; it influences the daily lives of real people: patients fighting cancer, survivors, families providing support, and friends offering comfort and understanding.
Witnessing these challenges firsthand accentuates the importance of understanding and addressing them. Conversations about hearing health should become as integral to the cancer treatment discourse as managing the more common physical side effects.
These statistics translate into real-life impact, reminding you of the collective responsibility to extend care beyond just treating cancer to include the sustained quality of life post-treatment.
Why Awareness Matters
Awareness serves as a powerful tool in the cancer treatment journey, empowering individuals to voice concerns and inquire about the full spectrum of side effects, including those affecting hearing.
By addressing potential hearing-related issues early in the treatment process, you can pave the way for interventions that can manage or mitigate hearing loss, potentially enhancing your overall treatment experience.
We believe that knowledge empowers patients to actively participate in their treatment plan, fostering a collaborative approach with a hearing healthcare team that prioritizes both immediate therapeutic goals and long-term well-being.
What Can Be Done
Efforts to address chemotherapy-induced hearing loss encompass several strategies, including primary prevention through otoprotectants – a promising area of research and advocacy. These agents aim to safeguard your hearing by protecting the inner ear from the ototoxic effects of chemotherapy.
Regular hearing assessments before, during, and after treatment provide crucial feedback on hearing health, enabling timely interventions.
Should you experience changes in hearing or have immediate access to comprehensive hearing care, including hearing aids and tinnitus management, it ensures you receive appropriate support tailored to your needs.
Compassionate Care at Nelson Audiology
Should you or a loved one encounter changes in hearing during cancer treatment, remember that support is available.
Individuals undergoing chemotherapy face intricate challenges, and our commitment to providing superior care is reflected in our personalized, empathetic approach.
Your comfort is prioritized, and we ensure you feel supported and understood every step of the way, offering solutions specifically designed to address cancer-related hearing issues. Our compassionate team works diligently to restore and enhance your quality of life, reaffirming our dedication to comprehensive, holistic care.
Sharing knowledge about potential hearing side effects during chemotherapy extends beyond individual benefit – it enriches community awareness and fosters an environment of informed support.
Understanding and addressing these challenges can greatly impact your or a loved one’s quality of life during and after cancer treatment.
To get in touch with us to get started, please don’t hesitate to request a callback to find out more or give us a call at your closest clinic in:
