How Cancer is Linked to Hearing Loss.

How Cancer is linked to Hearing Loss and What to Know

Hearing loss can occur naturally and gradually as you get older, but it can also be a side effect of some cancer treatments. October is breast cancer awareness month, so we wanted to highlight the relationship between treatment commonly used for breast cancer; chemotherapy and radiation, that may cause hearing problems.

There are 2 types of hearing loss linked with ototoxicity (medications that affect hearing). These are: sensorineural and conductive. Sensorineural refers to damage caused to the inner ear by chemotherapy medications and is often permanent. Conductive hearing loss targets the outer or middle ear and is often associated with radiation. It can sometimes be temporary.

Tinnitus seems to be a common side-effect of cancer treatment. Tinnitus is often described as:

• Hearing sounds such as: ringing, buzzing, humming, or whooshing in your ear.
• Tinnitus can sometimes be loud enough to interfere with your concentration or muffle or distort surrounding noises.
• Tinnitus can make it difficult to carry on a conversation, watch television, or fall asleep.

In rare cases, hearing problems can be permanent, but they usually go away after you’ve finished chemotherapy. Be sure to tell your doctor about any hearing changes or the onset of tinnitus. You may be able to get a lower dose or alternative medication for chemotherapy.

Here is a list of medications that have been known to cause hearing loss when administered in high doses:

• Cisplatin
• High doses of salicylates, such as aspirin
• NSAIDS, including naproxen sodium and other non-steroid anti- inflammatory medications
• Diuretics or water pills such as furosemide
• Antibiotics like Erythromycin, Gentamycin, Tobramycin, or Streptomycin
• Carboplatin

We recommend you get a full diagnostic hearing profile before you start treatments and then again, once finished. A weekly or monthly screening may be needed for on-going monitoring depending on the medication being used.  It’s important to gather as much information as you can before you begin a new treatment. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!