Otological toxicity after postoperative radiotherapy for parotid tumours

Radiotherapy is commonly used in the management of malignant parotid gland tumours that have adverse pathological risk factors after surgery. Radiation to the parotid bed is associated with predictable complications. In particular, the close proximity of the auditory apparatus, which receives a significant radiation dose, results in significant toxicity in a proportion of patients. Here we review auditory toxicity after radiation to the parotid bed.