I am trying to assess the chances of any hearing loss (along with all the other side effects) from my forthcoming RT and CT treatment for head and neck cancer.
They are unable to find the primary (after full neck surgery/removal, tonsillectomy and mucosectomy) so the RT will not be completely targeted.
Any advice etc welcome as I am an (ex) classical musician and my excellent hearing is extremely valuable to me.
Many thanks
I've replied in another thread. Both Carboplatin and Cisplatin are ototoxic but the former less so. Not all hearing changes are permanent. You'll be closely monitored during chemotherapy and if you develop tinnitus (caught early likley to be temporary) there is the option to stop. You could discuss having Carboplatin to start with
RT loss can be unpredictable. I have looked at my RT plan and both ears look to be spared largely but I did develop high end sensorineural loss in one ear. I guess it's because my cochlea was particularly sensitive to even a low dose of radiation. I didn't discover my deafness for years and then only by accident.
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
It is a difficult one. I had Carboplatin as I would not risk the potential for Cisplatin to give me tinnitus. I still got tinnitus but almost certainly from the RT. Mine is pulsing rather than ringing and probably much easier to ignore. Almost certainly caused by damage to blood vessels near the ear by RT. A CT scan shows no dangerous issues so, I am OK with it. A hearing test also confirmed that I have good hearing for my age.
The side effects are unpredictable in an individual. But as I have said in recent posts tell your team every last problem you encounter so they can manage it for the best possible outcome.
I had Cisplatin and RT in 2013. I was warned that the Cisplatin could cause hearing issues in some people, but I was fortunate not to get any problems. What I did get was glue ear, caused by the RT. Apparently it only affects a few people, and I got a severe case of it. I was fitted with temporary hearing aids, which worked well, and as the condition cleared up my hearing slowly came back, and I was able to put the hearing aids away. The hospital tested my hearing again and it was pretty much back to normal. I get it rechecked every two years and there has been no deterioration since.
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