Advances in cancer treatment, particularly platinum-based chemotherapy and radiotherapy, have substantially improved patient survival.However, these therapies carry a risk of serious adverse effects, including ototoxicity that can cause permanent hearing loss.This narrative review surveys the scientific literature regarding hearing impairment among oncology patients of various ages who received chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.Treatment with cytotoxic drugs, particularly cisplatin, and radiotherapy to the head and neck are associated with a high risk of bilateral, high-frequency, permanent, and progressive hearing loss.Risk factors include cumulative drug dose, patient age, comorbidities, and previous ototoxic treatment.A comprehensive audiological monitoring protocol should be established before, during, and after cancer treatment.Important considerations include baseline hearing assessment, regular audiological monitoring, age-appropriate behavioral audiometry, and objective auditory measures, such as otoacoustic emissions.Therapies based on identification of genetic markers represent a promising development that may minimize adverse effects and improve quality of life among patients with cancer.This article examines the effects of cancer treatment on the auditory system and evaluates current approaches to the prevention, diagnosis, and management of ototoxicity.It also provides standardized recommendations for audiological monitoring of patients with cancer.
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Barylyak et al. (2026) studied this question.
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