Related Experiment Videos
A prospective longitudinal study on radiation-induced hearing loss
L J Anteunis1, S L Wanders, J J Hendriks
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Academical Hospital, University of Limburg, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
American Journal of Surgery
|November 1, 1994
Summary
Radiotherapy targeting the ear can cause permanent hearing loss. This study found up to 50% of patients developed clinically relevant hearing impairment after treatment for parotid tumors.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Radiation Oncology
- Audiology
Background:
- Radiotherapy including the auditory system can lead to hearing loss.
- While secretory otitis media is a known reversible side effect, permanent hearing loss is considered rare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate the incidence and type of hearing loss in patients undergoing radiotherapy for unilateral parotid tumors.
- To assess the permanence and impact of radiation-induced hearing loss on quality of life.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study design.
- Audiometric evaluation before radiotherapy and 2 years post-irradiation.
- Inclusion of patients treated for unilateral parotid tumors.
Main Results:
- Up to 50% of patients (9 of 18) developed clinically relevant hearing loss in the irradiated ear.
- Hearing loss included both conductive and sensorineural components.
- Permanent hearing loss occurred in 33% of patients (6 of 18), affecting quality of life.
Conclusions:
- Conventional radiotherapy schemes (2-2.5 Gy/day, 50 Gy total dose) can induce permanent, clinically relevant hearing loss.
- Inner ear, auditory nerve, and auditory brain stem changes are implicated.
- Hearing loss significantly impacts patient quality of life.