There’s nothing that’s good about cancer. Patients have to go through a very tough time and some of the side effects of chemotherapy are often dismissed. But for a large number of cancer survivors, there will be a life after cancer and that’s an essential thing to remember. And, of course, you want a really full and happy life!
Talking to your healthcare team about managing and minimizing side effects is so significant because of this. By talking about potential hearing loss, tinnitus, or balance issues that might develop from chemotherapy, for example, you’ll be better prepared for what comes next, and be in a better position to fully enjoy life after cancer.
Cancer treatment options
Cancer treatment has progressed substantially in the past 20 years. There are even some vaccines that can prevent the development of some cancers in the first place! But generally, doctors will make use of one or more of three different ways to fight this disease: radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery.
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 hearing and balance problems come with all cancer treatments? Well, every patient is different, but in general, these side effects are restricted to chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy – what is it?
Chemotherapy is a combination of treatments that utilize strong chemicals to destroy cancer cells. Because of its very successful track record, chemotherapy is often the leading treatment option for a wide array of cancers. But chemotherapy can cause some really uncomfortable side effects because these chemicals are so strong. Here are several of these side effects:
- Nausea
- Hair loss (including your nose hairs)
- Vomiting
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Sores in the mouth
- Loss of hearing
Every patient responds to chemotherapy in their own way. Side effects might also vary depending on the particular mix of chemicals used. Most people are fairly well aware of some of these symptoms, like hair loss for instance. But that isn’t always the case with chemotherapy-caused hearing loss.
Does chemo bring about hearing loss?
Loss of hearing is not one of the better known side effects of chemotherapy. But the reality is that chemotherapy can and does cause hearing loss. Is chemo-induced hearing loss irreversible? The answer is frequently yes.
So is there a specific type of chemo that is more likely to result in hearing loss? Platinum-based chemical protocols (also known as cisplatin-based chemotherapy) are more commonly responsible for hearing loss side effects. These types of therapies are most often utilized to treat head, neck, and gynecological cancers, but they can be used on other cancers also.
Scientists aren’t really certain how the cause and effect works, but the general sense is that platinum-based chemotherapy chemicals are particularly adept at causing damage to the delicate hairs in your ear. Over time, this can trigger hearing loss, and that hearing loss is often permanent.
Hearing loss is something you want to keep your eye on, even when you’re battling cancer
Hearing loss may not seem like that much of a worry when you’re fighting cancer. But even when you’re dealing with cancer, there are substantial reasons why your hearing health is relevant:
- Hearing loss, especially neglected hearing loss, can negatively affect your mental health. Untreated hearing loss is closely associated with increases in depression and anxiety. Battling cancer can, similarly, increase depression and anxiety, so you don’t want to add more fuel to that fire.
- Chemotherapy-caused hearing loss can also result in balance problems and tinnitus. So, now you’re thinking: hold on, does chemotherapy cause tinnitus too? Well, regrettably, the answer is yes. This tinnitus and loss of balance can be a problem, too. You don’t want to fall when you’re recuperating from your chemotherapy treatment!
- Social isolation is often the outcome of hearing loss. This can aggravate many different conditions. In other words, receiving the appropriate treatment (or even purchasing the right groceries) can become harder when you are feeling socially separated.
Decreasing other health issues while you’re fighting cancer will most likely be a priority, and something you’ll want to talk to your care team about.
What’s the solution?
When you’re fighting cancer, your life becomes never-ending doctor’s appointments. But don’t let that stop you from scheduling an appointment for a hearing exam.
Going to a hearing specialist will help you do a number of things:
- Establish a hearing baseline. This will make it considerably easier to recognize hearing loss in the future.
- It will be easier to obtain fast treatment when you detect the signs or symptoms of hearing loss.
- Initiate a relationship with a hearing professional. Your hearing specialist will have a more comprehensive knowledge of the state of your hearing and its needs, if you do have hearing loss.
So, can hearing loss as a result of chemo be reversed? Regardless of the cause, sensorineural hearing loss has no cure, unfortunately. But there are treatment options. Your hearing specialist will be able to help you treat and manage your hearing loss. This may mean simple monitoring or it might include a pair of hearing aids.
It should be mentioned, too, that most chemotherapy-caused hearing loss normally impacts the higher-range of hearing frequencies. It may not even have any effect on your day-to-day hearing.
Your hearing health is important
Taking good care of your hearing is essential. Discuss any concerns you may have about how chemotherapy might affect your hearing with your care team. You might not be able to alter your treatment options, but at least you’ll be able to closely monitor your symptoms and treat them accordingly.
Hearing loss can be induced by chemotherapy. But if you consult your hearing specialist, they will help you develop a plan that will help you get in front of the symptoms.
