Chemoradiation-induced hearing loss remains a major concern for head and neck cancer patients

Objective: Review of the literature regarding hearing loss in patients with head and neck cancer treated with chemoradiation. Design: Studies in the literature are reviewed that pertain to hearing loss sustained in head and neck cancer patients receiving cisplatin-based chemoradiation. Personal observations noted while treating these patients are also detailed. Study sample: PubMed was searched for pertinent articles regarding hearing loss in head and neck cancer patients receiving cisplatin chemotherapy and/or radiation. Results: Studies on the incidence and severity of hearing loss in head and neck cancer patients are limited, but those studies suggest that the risk of hearing loss is greater with higher-dose regimens. Conclusions: Newer cisplatin chemotherapy regimens using lower, weekly doses may be associated with a lower incidence and severity of hearing loss; however, large prospective studies are needed. Such information will be paramount to effective pre-treatment counselling of head and neck cancer patients.