There’s nothing that’s good about cancer. Patients have to go through a very hard time and some of the side effects of chemotherapy are frequently disregarded. But for a large number of cancer survivors, there is a life after cancer and that’s an essential thing to remember. And, obviously, you want a very full and happy life!
Speaking with your healthcare team about controlling and minimizing side effects is so significant for this reason. By talking about potential hearing loss, tinnitus, or balance problems that might arise from chemotherapy, for instance, you’ll be better prepared for what comes next, and be in a better position to fully enjoy life after cancer.
Cancer treatment options
Cancer treatment has progressed substantially in the past 20 years. There are even some vaccines that can prevent the development of some cancers in the first place! But, generally speaking, there are still three basic ways that doctors will combat this serious disease: surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
There are distinctive drawbacks and strengths to each of these, and in some cases, they’re used together. Your care team will use your diagnosis and prognosis to establish the best course of treatment.
Do hearing and balance problems come with all cancer treatments? Well, each patient is different, but in general, these side effects are limited to chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy – what is it?
Chemotherapy is a mixture of treatments that use strong chemicals to destroy cancer cells. Because of its very successful track record, chemotherapy is often the leading treatment choice for a wide range of cancers. But because these chemicals are so powerful, chemotherapy can cause some uncomfortable side effects. Those side effects can include:
- Sores in the mouth
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Vomiting
- Hearing loss
- Hair loss (including your nose hairs)
- Nausea
Side effects of chemotherapy have a tendency to vary from person to person. The particular combination of chemicals also has a substantial impact on the specific side effects. Most individuals are fairly well aware of some of these symptoms, like hair loss for instance. But that isn’t always the case with chemotherapy-induced hearing loss.
Does chemo produce hearing loss?
Loss of hearing is not one of the more well known side effects of chemotherapy. But the truth is that chemotherapy can and does cause hearing loss. Is related hearing loss irreversible? In many instances, yes.
So is there a particular type of chemo that is more likely to result in hearing loss? Platinum-based chemical protocols (also called cisplatin-based chemotherapy) are more typically responsible for hearing loss side effects. These types of therapies are most commonly utilized to treat head, neck, and gynecological cancers, but they can be used for other cancers also.
Scientists believe that platinum-based chemotherapy chemicals attack and damage the tiny delicate stereocilia in the ears, but the exact cause-and-effect relationship is still not clear. This can trigger hearing loss that is frequently irreversible.
Even if you’re fighting cancer, you still need to pay attention to hearing loss
When you’re battling cancer, hearing loss might not feel like your most pressing concern. But there are significant reasons why your hearing health is relevant, even in the midst of battling cancer:
- Hearing loss has been known to result in social isolation. Lots of different conditions can be aggravated by this. If you’re feeling isolated socially, it can become challenging to do daily activities, especially getting appropriate treatment.
- Chemotherapy-caused hearing loss can also result in balance issues and tinnitus. So, now you’re thinking: wait, does chemotherapy lead to tinnitus too? Well, unfortunately, the answer is yes. Tinnitus is frequently linked to balance problems which can also be an issue. You don’t want to fall down when you’re recovering from your chemotherapy treatment!
- Hearing loss, particularly neglected hearing loss, can negatively impact your mental health. Anxiety and depression are closely associated with neglected hearing loss. Somebody who is fighting cancer already has a heavy weight on their shoulders and the last thing they need is added anxiety and depression.
Decreasing other health concerns while you’re fighting cancer will likely be a priority, and something you’ll want to speak with your care team about.
So what should you do?
When you’re fighting cancer, your life becomes never-ending doctor’s appointments. But it’s important to add one more appointment to your list: make an appointment with a hearing specialist.
Here are several things that seeing a hearing specialist will help with:
- Initiate a relationship with a hearing professional. If you experience hearing loss, your hearing specialist will have a more comprehensive understanding of your needs, your health history, and what your hearing treatment can look like.
- Set a baseline for your hearing. Then, if you experience hearing loss in the future, it will be easier to identify.
- If you do notice hearing loss, it will be easier to get fast treatment.
So if you get hearing loss from chemo, can it be cured? Sadly, sensorineural hearing loss is irreversible, regardless of the cause. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be treated. Your hearing specialist will be able to help you address and manage your hearing loss. You might require hearing aids or you may simply need your hearing to be tracked.
It should be noted, too, that the majority of chemotherapy-caused hearing loss normally impacts the higher-range of hearing frequencies. Your day-to-day hearing may not even really be impacted.
Caring for your hearing is important
Paying attention to your hearing is essential. Talk over any concerns you might have about how chemotherapy may affect your hearing with your care team. You may not be able to change treatment options, but at least you’ll be able to closely track your symptoms and treat them appropriately.
Hearing loss can be induced by chemotherapy. But if you talk to your hearing specialist, they will help you make a plan that will help you stay in front of the symptoms.
