There’s nothing that’s good about cancer. Patients have to go through a really tough 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 keep in mind. And, obviously, you want a really full and happy life!
Talking to your healthcare team about controlling and minimizing side effects is so important because of this. By discussing potential hearing loss, tinnitus, or balance problems that may develop from chemotherapy, for instance, you’ll be better prepared for what happens next, and be in a better position to completely enjoy life after cancer.
Cancer treatment options
In the past couple of decades, considerable developments in cancer treatment have been accomplished. There are even some vaccines that can stop the development of some cancers in the first place! But, broadly speaking, there are still three standard ways that doctors will combat this serious disease: surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
There are unique drawbacks and strengths to each of these, and in some cases, they’re used in tandem. The best treatment course will be guided by your diagnosis, your prognosis, and your care team.
Do all cancer treatments cause hearing and balance issues? Usually, these side effects only accompany chemotherapy, but each patient is different.
Chemotherapy – what is it?
Chemotherapy is a mix of treatments that use strong chemicals to destroy cancer cells. Because of its extremely successful track record, chemotherapy is frequently the main treatment option for a wide array of cancers. But chemotherapy can bring on some really uncomfortable side effects because these chemicals are so powerful. Here are a few of these side effects:
- Vomiting
- Sores in the mouth
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Nausea
- Loss of hearing
- Hair loss
Side effects of chemotherapy often differ from person to person. The particular combination of chemicals also has a substantial impact on the specific side effects. Some of these side effects are often fairly visible and well known (hair loss, for instance). But not so many individuals are aware of chemotherapy induced hearing loss.
Can hearing loss be brought about by chemotherapy?
Loss of hearing is not one of the better known side effects of chemotherapy. But hearing loss can be a real side effect of chemotherapy. Is hearing loss from chemo permanent? In many cases, yes.
So is there a particular type of chemo that is more likely to cause hearing loss? Platinum-based chemical protocols (also called cisplatin-based chemotherapy) are more typically responsible for hearing loss side effects. This type of therapy can be used on numerous kinds of cancers but is most frequently used to treat head, neck, and gynecological cancers.
Scientists believe that platinum-based chemotherapy chemicals attack and damage the little delicate stereocilia in the ears, but the exact cause-and-effect relationship is still unclear. Over time, this can trigger hearing loss, and that hearing loss is often permanent.
Hearing loss is something you want to pay attention to, even when you’re battling cancer
When you’re fighting cancer, hearing loss may not seem like your most pressing concern. But even when you’re dealing with cancer, there are significant reasons why your hearing health is relevant:
- Chemotherapy-caused hearing loss can also result in balance problems and tinnitus. So, now you’re thinking: wait, does chemotherapy lead to tinnitus too? Well, regrettably, the answer is yes. Tinnitus is often associated with balance problems which can also be a problem. You don’t want to fall when you’re recuperating from your chemotherapy treatment!
- Hearing loss can negatively affect your mental health, particularly if that hearing loss is neglected. Untreated hearing loss is closely related to increases in depression and anxiety. Somebody 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 outcome of hearing loss. This can aggravate lots of different conditions. If you’re feeling isolated socially, it can become laborious to do everyday activities, especially getting appropriate treatment.
You’ll want to talk to your care team about reducing 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 let that stop you from scheduling an appointment for a hearing exam.
Visiting a hearing specialist will help you do several things:
- Become a patient of a hearing specialist. Your hearing specialist will have a more in depth knowledge of the state of your hearing and its needs, if you do have hearing loss.
- Set a hearing baseline. Then, if you experience hearing loss in the future, it will be easier to recognize.
- If you do detect hearing loss, it will be easier to get fast treatment.
So, can hearing loss from chemo be reversed? Unfortunately, sensorineural hearing loss is permanent, regardless of the cause. But there are treatment solutions. Your hearing loss can be treated and managed with the assistance of your hearing specialist. You may require hearing aids or you might simply need your hearing to be monitored.
It should be noted, too, that most chemotherapy-caused hearing loss usually impacts the higher-range of hearing frequencies. It may not necessarily have any effect on your day-to-day hearing.
Your hearing health is important
It’s critical to pay attention to your hearing health. Discuss any concerns you might have about how chemotherapy could affect your hearing with your care team. Your treatment may 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 caused by chemotherapy. But if you consult your hearing specialist, they will help you develop a plan that will help you stay in front of the symptoms.
