Coping with cancer is terrible. Patients have to go through a very difficult time and some of the side effects of chemotherapy are frequently dismissed. But for a large number of cancer survivors, there will be a life after cancer and that’s an important thing to remember. And, of course, you want a really full and happy life!
This means it’s essential to talk to your care team about reducing and managing side effects caused by your treatment. By discussing potential hearing loss, tinnitus, or balance issues that might arise from chemotherapy, for example, you’ll be more ready 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, significant developments in cancer treatment have been accomplished. The development of certain cancers can even be avoided with vaccines. But, generally speaking, there are still three typical ways that doctors will combat this serious disease: surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
Each treatment method has its own unique strengths and drawbacks, and none of them are mutually exclusive. Your care team will use your diagnosis and prognosis to determine the best course of treatment.
Do hearing and balance problems come with all cancer treatments? Well, every patient is different, but generally, these side effects are restricted to chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy – what is it?
Chemotherapy is a combination of treatments that use strong chemicals to kill cancer cells. Because of its highly successful track record, chemotherapy is often the primary treatment option for a wide variety of cancers. But chemotherapy can cause some really uncomfortable side effects because these chemicals are so strong. Those side effects can include:
- Mouth sores
- Hearing loss
- Nausea
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Vomiting
- Hair loss
Side effects of chemotherapy often vary from person to person. Side effects may also change according to the specific mix of chemicals used. Some of these side effects tend to be fairly visible and well known (hair loss, for example). But that’s not always the case with chemotherapy-caused hearing loss.
Can hearing loss be caused by chemotherapy?
Loss of hearing isn’t one of the better known side effects of chemotherapy. But hearing loss can be an actual side effect of chemotherapy. Is hearing loss from chemo permanent? In many instances, yes.
So is there a particular type of chemo that is more likely to result in hearing loss? In general, hearing loss tends to be most prevalent with platinum-based chemical protocols (called cisplatin-based chemotherapy). This type of therapy can be used on various kinds of cancers but is most often used to treat head, neck, and gynecological cancers.
Scientists aren’t exactly sure how the cause and effect works, but the general sense is that platinum-based chemotherapy chemicals are especially skilled at causing harm to the fragile hairs in your ear. Over time, this can cause hearing loss, and that hearing loss is often permanent.
Hearing loss is something you want to pay attention to, even when you’re fighting cancer
When you’re fighting cancer, hearing loss may not seem like your biggest concern. But even when you’re dealing with cancer, there are substantial reasons why the health of your hearing is important:
- Social isolation is often the outcome of hearing loss. Lots of different conditions can be exacerbated by this. In other words, obtaining the appropriate treatment (or even buying the right groceries) can become more difficult when you are feeling socially separated.
- Tinnitus and balance issues can also be the outcome of chemo-associated hearing loss. So can tinnitus also be triggered by chemotherapy? Well, regrettably, the answer is yes. Tinnitus is often connected with balance problems which can also be an issue. When you’re recovering from chemotherapy, the last thing you need is to take a fall.
- Hearing loss, especially neglected hearing loss, can negatively affect your mental health. Anxiety and depression are closely associated with neglected hearing loss. Someone who is fighting cancer already has a heavy weight on their shoulders and the last thing they need is extra anxiety and depression.
Reducing other health issues while you’re fighting cancer will likely be a priority, and something you’ll want to talk to your care team about.
What’s the solution?
When you’re battling cancer, your life becomes a laundry list of doctor’s appointments. But don’t allow that to stop you from scheduling an appointment for a hearing exam.
Here are a number of things that visiting a hearing specialist will help with:
- If you do notice hearing loss, it will be easier to get fast treatment.
- Establish a hearing baseline. Then, if you develop hearing loss in the future, it will be easier to recognize.
- Initiate a relationship with a hearing professional. If you experience hearing loss, your hearing specialist will have a more complete understanding of your needs, your health history, and what your hearing treatment should be.
So, can hearing loss from chemo be reversed? Regrettably, sensorineural hearing loss is permanent, regardless of the cause. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be treated. Your hearing specialist will be capable of helping you treat and manage your hearing loss. This might mean simple monitoring or it might include a pair of hearing aids.
It’s mostly frequencies in the higher register that go when your hearing loss is triggered by chemo. Your day-to-day hearing may not even really be effected.
Caring for your hearing is important
It’s critical to take care of your hearing health. Discuss any concerns you may have about how chemotherapy might affect your hearing with your care team. Your treatment might not be able to change but at least you’ll be better able to keep an eye on 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 make a plan that will help you stay in front of the symptoms.
