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Neurologic Symptoms > Hearing Loss

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DOI:

10.1891/9780826185242.0021

Abstract

Ototoxicity refers to auditory changes caused by platinum-based chemotherapy and/or radiation to the head that exposes structures responsible for hearing. These changes are experienced as hearing loss that may be permanent and/or tinnitus that impact on social functioning, sleep, and mental health. Some of the most widely used chemotherapy agents cause hearing impairment and/or tinnitus. Used in the treatment of solid tumors, these side effects impact negatively on quality of life including the development of depression, anxiety, and social anxiety. Hearing loss usually occurs at higher frequencies initially and may be permanent. The impact on the inner ear also leads to poor balance and a risk of falls. These symptoms can occur at any time during treatment and can affect one or both ears. Radiation therapy to the head also causes hearing loss due to damage to structures such as the temporal bones, cochlea, the middle ear, and Eustachian tube.