Hearing loss?

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. 

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.  

Many thanks

My tinnitus has gradually worsened since Chemoradio finished over 2 years ago, my hearing is OK, audiology recommended that I have hearing aids for both ears to combat the tinnitus...being fitted next month....by NHS Scotland.

Hello, my husband had cycles of Cisplatin, next to 30 cycles RT, unfortunately his hearing did get affected,he did develop tinnitus in both ears,he decided to opt for hearing aids,as the hearing loss did effect his job. He is getting checked on a regular base for now. Fellow wife Mel x

Good evening PCH, I had radiotherapy and chemo ( cisplatin ) in 2008 and have not suffered any issues with my hearing, although some people do suffer temporary hearing problems. Fingers crossed it does not cause you any long-lasting issues. All the best.

                                                                 Chris 

Hi there, I finished 35 rounds of RT and 2 rounds of cisplatin chemo 11 months ago , since then I have tinnitus in one ear but have hearing loss in both ears ,I have been put on the waiting list for hearing aids after a hearing test a month ago. I do hope it will help with the tinnitus. I was told the treatment may cause hearing problems before I agreed and signed my plan.

Hi Margaret 

I'd be interested to know how long it took for your glue ear to go. I also have an extreme case of it but it has not gone for over a year. I hang on to some hope it clears miraculously one day but it's extremely unlikely.

PCH. I'm afraid to say the Cisplatin and radiotherapy combo severely affected my hearing. I now have hearing aids and am almost completely deaf in one ear (closest to the treatment area) I was not not made aware enough of the likely hearing loss that can come with Cisplatin. I remember mentioning the tinnitus creeping in but then went on to have one more dose. If, I say If I had maybe missed the last one my ears may be better but during treatment you're so keen get rid of the cancer you just push on often in a whirlwind. 

Best advice is to keep mentioning the hearing aspect when you see your consultant.

Hi Ozzy

Sorry to hear about the glue ear.  Mine took about 4 months to clear.  I was given a steroid nasal spray which I think helped a bit. I was told that if it didn't clear after 6 months that they may be able to surgically insert grommets to help with draining.   I remember it was such a frustrating time and I was desperate to get it fixed.  I even considered ear candling, until my Consultant found out and banned me from going.  I do hope that there is some improvement for you.