The importance of high-tone audiometry in monitoring for ototoxicity

Early detection of ototoxicity is of vital importance in cases in which ototoxic drugs are administered. Ototoxicity as a result of cis-platinum administration is well documented. Auditory damage may be reduced by changes in dose, drugs or methods of treatment. As ototoxicity appears to be most pronounced in the higher frequencies of sound, any changes can be assessed at an earlier stage by using high-frequency audiometry to test patients at frequencies from 8 to 20 kHz. Our present study demonstrates the utility of monitoring auditory function at frequencies higher than conventionally tested in patients receiving cis-platinum.