Hearing loss and chemotherapy

Yes, some chemotherapy medicines can. The main group is the platinum medicines, especially cisplatin, and to a lesser extent carboplatin. They can damage the tiny hair cells in the inner ear that pick up sound. The first signs are usually ringing or buzzing in the ears, or difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds, such as birdsong, a phone ringing, or conversation in a noisy room. Most other chemotherapy medicines do not affect hearing.

Hearing loss caused by these medicines is often permanent once it has happened, which is why early reporting matters so much. If you notice ringing in the ears or any change in hearing, tell your team before your next dose. They may arrange a hearing test and, where appropriate, adjust the treatment plan to protect your hearing while still treating the cancer. Hearing may be checked before and during treatment, especially in children.

Risk rises with the total amount

The more cisplatin received over the course, the higher the chance of hearing changes.

Some people are more vulnerable

Children, older adults, people with existing hearing loss, kidney problems, or those also given certain antibiotics or radiotherapy near the ear are at higher risk.

Hearing aids can help

If hearing loss does occur, hearing aids and other support can make a real difference.

It cannot tell you whether your hearing will be affected. That depends on your medicines, the total amount planned, your age, kidney function and existing hearing. Your team can explain your personal risk.

It also cannot tell you whether to change your treatment. If hearing changes, your oncologist weighs the benefit of continuing against the risk to hearing, and may switch medicines or adjust the plan. Never skip a dose on your own.

Protective treatments for children

For some children receiving cisplatin, a medicine to reduce hearing damage may be considered. Ask the paediatric team whether it applies.

Hearing loss affects daily life

Difficulty following conversations can lead to isolation, frustration and misunderstandings. Tell family what helps, such as facing you when speaking.

Ear wax and infections can mimic it

Not all muffled hearing is from chemotherapy. Wax or infection can be checked and treated simply.

Children need school support

Even mild hearing loss can affect learning. Share hearing test results with the school so seating and support can be arranged.

Follow-up after treatment

Hearing checks may continue after treatment, particularly for children, as changes can appear later.

Balance can be affected too

The inner ear also controls balance. Unsteadiness or dizziness should be reported, especially in older adults at risk of falls.

Hearing aids are worth it

Modern hearing aids are small and effective. An audiologist can advise on options and costs.

Tell family how to talk with you

Ask people to face you, speak clearly without shouting, reduce background noise and repeat or rephrase when needed. Small changes make conversations much easier and reduce frustration on both sides.

Mention hearing at every visit

Hearing changes can creep in slowly. A quick mention at each treatment visit, even when nothing seems different, keeps it on your team's checklist.

Hearing tests are simple

A standard hearing test takes place in a quiet room. You wear headphones and signal when you hear tones of different pitches and loudness. It is painless and helps show changes in high-pitched hearing that you may not notice yourself.

Mobile phones and television can be adjusted

Captions on television, louder ringtones, vibrating alerts and hearing-aid compatible phones make daily life easier. Family can help set these up.

Some people notice fullness rather than loss

A blocked or full feeling in the ears, or sounds seeming distorted, can be an early change. Mention it even if you can still hear conversations well.

What to do next

Ask your team whether your treatment can affect hearing and whether a hearing test is planned. Report ringing, buzzing or muffled hearing before your next dose, avoid loud noise, keep hearing test appointments, and ask about hearing aids and support if loss occurs.