What should cancer survivors know about hearing loss?

Question: What should cancer survivors know about hearing loss?

Answer: While acquired hearing loss from specific medications may not affect everyone, they can impact the hearing of some. Certain chemotherapy drugs and radiation treatments for cancers may cause hearing loss by damaging healthy cochlear hair cells found in the inner ear.

Fortunately, when this occurs, the large majority of people with hearing loss can benefit from hearing aids. People with hearing loss who use hearing aids enjoy a better overall quality of life.

If you have experienced cancer and cancer treatment, we encourage you to come in for a hearing evaluation to monitor hearing levels and establish your hearing baseline. Arm yourself with information to ensure your best quality of life in all situations.