Treating cancer is an impossibly difficult time for patients. While therapies like chemotherapy have been effective at managing cancer and saving lives, they often come with difficult side effects—including hearing loss. Let’s take a look at the connection between chemotherapy and hearing loss and how hearing aids can help.
How Does Chemotherapy Cause Hearing Loss?
Medications that damage the auditory system, leading to hearing loss, tinnitus and balance issues, are known as ototoxic. There are more than 200 identified ototoxic medications on the market today. While it may seem obvious to simply avoid ototoxic medications, they are often used to treat serious infections, heart disease and cancer. The most common chemotherapy drugs linked to hearing loss are platinum-based drugs like cisplatin and carboplatin. In cases where there are no alternative options, the benefits of ototoxic medications often outweigh the negatives.
Does Hearing Loss Always Happen With Chemotherapy?
Starting chemotherapy does not guarantee that you will develop hearing loss. It is essential to discuss the risks of your specific treatment plan. While you may not be able to prevent hearing damage, knowing the risks can help you prepare and recognize the signs early on.
What Are the Symptoms of Ototoxicity?
Hearing loss doesn’t always start immediately upon taking ototoxic medications. In some cases, symptoms don’t appear until up to five years later. A few symptoms you may notice include:
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Mild to profound hearing loss in one or both ears
- Trouble balancing when walking
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
Symptoms are likely to begin mildly and gradually worsen.
Can Hearing Aids Help?
While discontinuing ototoxic medication will not reverse the existing hearing damage, treatment options like hearing aids can help manage hearing loss effectively. Hearing aids collect and amplify speech sounds to pave the way for clearer communication and minimize the effect hearing loss has on your life.
If you have started taking an ototoxic medication or are about to, scheduling regular appointments with an audiologist can help you track any hearing damage and manage your symptoms early on. Contact Kampsen Hearing today to discuss your hearing health with one of our trusted specialists.