A Discussion: Cancer Survivors and Hearing Loss
For cancer survivors that received cranial radiotherapy, platinum chemotherapy, or both, may experience hearing loss as a side effect once treatment is over. It is pertinent that clinicians educate their patients about prioritizing hearing loss and finding care immediately. As part of the medical community, clinicians should raise awareness about hearing loss after surviving cancer. Hearing is essential to maintaining social relationships and living a full life.
Conducting a Study
During a study of 24 cancer survivors, they all participated in a phone interview to gather information about their experience after finishing their cancer treatment. All of the participants had received either cranial radiotherapy, platinum chemotherapy, or both, which resulted in hearing loss. Their hearing loss was notated in clinical notes, use of hearing aids, or audiogram levels that showed consistency with severe ototoxicity.
The Study’s Results
Researchers found that patients who experienced hearing loss posttreatment associated it with isolation and feeling excluded. Admitting that you have hearing loss can lead to social isolation, and at the same time, hearing loss can create challenges with communication, whether with existing or new social connections. Cancer survivors must be informed that they are not alone in this, and there is support available. While a diagnosis of hearing loss is essential, a diagnosis without proper patient education can lead to confusion. If a cancer survivor is diagnosed with hearing loss following treatment, the patient needs to be educated about what type of hearing loss they have, and what is available to help them lead a full, social life. Clinicians need to discuss the possibility of cancer-related hearing loss with their patients and provide them with advice to help them however needed.
How Hearing Care Specialists Can Help
Hearing Care Specialists can help cancer survivors by educating them on the cause and nature of their hearing loss, prognosis, and intervention options. Discussing hearing loss with cancer survivors can be difficult because it may remind them of their cancer history, and other side effects that can happen after treatment. Hearing Care Specialists can help cancer survivors understand the experience of hearing loss and support them while treating it accordingly.
The specialists at Sound Hearing Care want to help as many people live a full life with hearing everything around them. Cancer survivors should contact us at 864-881-1663 to have a comprehensive hearing exam to determine if they have any hearing loss due to cancer treatment. We have four convenient locations in Simpsonville, Greer, Travelers Rest, and Greenville.
Contact Sound Hearing Care at 864-881-1663 to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive hearing exam.
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