Dealing with cancer is terrible. Patients have to go through a very difficult time and some of the side effects of chemotherapy are frequently disregarded. But it’s important to remember that, for a lot of cancer patients, there will be life after your disease. And, of course, you want a very full and happy life!
Talking to your healthcare team about managing and reducing side effects is so essential for this reason. By talking about potential hearing loss, tinnitus, or balance issues that might develop from chemotherapy, for instance, you’ll be better prepared for what comes next, and be in a better position to truly enjoy life after cancer.
Cancer treatment options
In the past couple of decades, considerable advancements in cancer treatment have been accomplished. The development of certain cancers can even be prevented with vaccines. But in general, doctors will use one or more of three different ways to battle this disease: radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery.
There are distinctive drawbacks and strengths to each of these, and sometimes, they’re used in tandem. The best treatment course will be determined by your diagnosis, your prognosis, and your care team.
Do all cancer treatments lead to hearing and balance problems? Well, every patient is different, but generally, these side effects are restricted to chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy – what is it?
Chemotherapy kills cancer cells with a combination of strong chemicals. Because of its highly successful track record, chemotherapy is frequently the primary treatment option for a wide range of cancers. But chemotherapy can cause some really uncomfortable side effects because these chemicals are so powerful. Here are several of these side effects:
- Nausea
- Sores in the mouth
- Vomiting
- Hair loss (including your nose hairs)
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Loss of hearing
Every patient reacts to chemotherapy in their own way. Side effects might also vary based on the particular mix of chemicals used. Some of these side effects tend to be fairly visible and well known (hair loss, for example). But not so many people are aware of chemotherapy related hearing loss.
Can hearing loss be brought about by chemotherapy?
Loss of hearing isn’t one of the more well known side effects of chemotherapy. But the reality is that chemotherapy can and does bring about hearing loss. Is related hearing loss irreversible? The answer is frequently yes.
So is there a specific type of chemo that is more likely to result in hearing loss? In general, hearing loss tends to be most common with platinum-based chemical protocols (known as cisplatin-based chemotherapy). These kinds of therapies are most often used to treat head, neck, and gynecological cancers, but they can be used on other cancers also.
Scientists aren’t really sure how the cause and effect works, but the general sense is that platinum-based chemotherapy chemicals are especially proficient at causing harm to the delicate hairs in your ear. This can trigger hearing loss that is frequently irreversible.
Hearing loss is something you want to keep your eye on, even when you’re fighting cancer
Hearing loss may not seem like that much of an issue when you’re fighting cancer. But even when you’re dealing with cancer, there are significant reasons why the health of your hearing is relevant:
- Hearing loss, especially neglected hearing loss, can negatively impact your mental health. Untreated hearing loss is closely associated with increases in depression and anxiety. Someone who is fighting cancer already has a heavy weight on their shoulders and the last thing they need is extra anxiety and depression.
- Social isolation is frequently the result of hearing loss. Lots of different conditions can be aggravated by this. In other words, receiving the appropriate treatment (or even purchasing the right groceries) can become harder when you are feeling socially separated.
- Chemotherapy-caused hearing loss can also result in balance problems and tinnitus. So can tinnitus also be caused by chemotherapy? Sadly, yes. Tinnitus is often associated with balance issues which can also be a problem. You don’t want to fall down when you’re recovering from your chemotherapy treatment!
You’ll want to speak with your care team about minimizing other health issues while you’re fighting cancer.
So what should you do?
When you’re battling cancer, your life becomes never-ending doctor’s appointments. But don’t allow that to stop you from scheduling an appointment for a hearing exam.
Seeing a hearing specialist will help you do several things:
- Establish a hearing baseline. Then, if you develop hearing loss in the future, it will be easier to recognize.
- It will be easier to receive fast treatment when you notice the signs or symptoms of hearing loss.
- Become a patient of a hearing specialist. Your hearing specialist will have a more in depth understanding of the state of your hearing and its needs, if you do have hearing loss.
So, can hearing loss as a result of chemo be reversed? Regardless of the cause, sensorineural hearing loss can’t be cured, sadly. But there are treatment options. Your hearing loss can be treated and managed with the help of your hearing specialist. You may require hearing aids or you might just need your hearing to be monitored.
It should be mentioned, too, that most chemotherapy-caused hearing loss usually affects the higher-range of hearing frequencies. It might not necessarily have any impact on your day-to-day hearing.
Your hearing health is important
Taking good care of your hearing is crucial. If you’re worried about how chemotherapy may affect your hearing, talk to your care team. Your treatment may not be able to change but at least you’ll be better able to track your symptoms and to get faster treatment.
Hearing loss can be induced by chemotherapy. But if you consult your hearing specialist, they will help you formulate a plan that will help you stay in front of the symptoms.
