Hearing problems

Some of the Platin group of chemotherapy drugs are known to be ototoxic (can cause hearing loss), some more so than others. I have a severe hearing loss so I was put on carboplatin which is slightly less damaging than the more usual cisplatin. I’m not sure about Oxaliplatin.

Doing A quick internet search I came upon a paper from 2014 which concluded that oxaliplatin was safe for hearing. There are about 40 genes associated with hearing loss. Some may be sensitive to different treatments.

I hope your husband’s audiologist is able to sort out a good hearing aid and some accessories that will enable him to continue to enjoy a full social interaction and not become isolated and depressed.

Please feel free to message me for any further information on hearing problems and technology that may be of use.

Thanks Brent, that is useful to know. We will have a word with Ken's oncologist. I think it is also time he visits the Audiology department again.

Sue

Interesting!

I had poor hearing before my diagnosis of adenocarcinoma (HER-2+) of the gastroesophageal junction. My chemo treatment (FLOT) certainly made my hearing worse. I did wear hearing aids before diagnosis. 

I wonder if there are more of us that had poor hearing before diagnosis and if so whether poor hearing could be part of an early diagnosis for people more susceptible to esophageal cancer? 

Perhaps something worth looking into?

Thanks for reply Anon. It certainly is an interesting theory.

Sue

Hi Foxthatrocks,

I happen to be an audiologist and wrote a thesis on the ototoxic effects of the platinum chemotherapy drugs a few years ago.

Cisplatin is more damaging to hearing than carboplatin, which is more damaging than Oxaliplatin. Although the latter is also ototoxic. They tend to affect the high frequencies more than the low frequencies meaning that sounds will become less distinct, particularly whilst having a conversation in the presence of background noise. The hearing loss is irreversible although there are clinical trials underway looking at prescribing agents such as sodium thiosulphate in order to ameliorate the effects. There is a synergistic effect if your husband has also had radiotherapy. If your husband already has an audiologist you should be able to contact the department directly for an urgent appointment (he should be classed as a priority if receiving chemotherapy), or his oncologist can refer.

As Brent says, there are additional listening devices that can be used in conjunction with hearing aids, depending on the hearing aids prescribed. Some departments provide them, others will signpost you to the compatible devices.

Hope this helps. 

Thanks Lucky80 the information is very much appreciated. We will be asking for a referral when Ken sees his oncologist next week

Sue