A Prospective Study to Compare the Frequency and Pattern of Hearing Loss in Adult Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiation With and Without Cisplatin
Hearing loss is a significant yet often underrecognized side effect in head as well as neck cancer patients undergo radiation therapy, particularly when combined with cisplatin. Radiation alone may cause mild auditory dysfunction, but cisplatin, a known ototoxic agent, poses a higher risk of irreversible sensorineural hearing loss. Early detection and monitoring of hearing impairment in these patients are crucial for timely intervention and improved quality of life. This study aims to evaluate the frequency along with pattern of hearing loss in adult head moreover neck cancer patients receiving radiation therapy alone versus those receiving radiation combined with cisplatin. The participants in this prospective observational study were 100 adults who were getting treatment for head as well as neck cancer. This study was conducted at IGIMS Patna from Jan 2024 to December 2024. Patients were divided into two groups: those receiving radiation therapy alone and those receiving radiation with cisplatin. Baseline audiometric evaluations were conducted before treatment, followed by serial assessments at 3 months and 6 months post-treatment. Hearing loss was classified based on the WHO grading system, and statistical comparisons were made using appropriate tests. The study found that post-treatment, hearing loss was extra frequent in the radiation + cisplatin group (50%) compare to the radiation-only group (20%). Severe hearing loss was more common in the cisplatin-treated group (14% vs. 2%). High-frequency hearing loss was more prevalent in the cisplatin group (44% vs. 14%). Patients undergoing cisplatin-based treatment for head as well as neck cancer are at increased risk of severe hearing loss; thus, preventative measures and regular audiological monitoring are necessary.Future studies should explore otoprotective agents, alternative therapies, and long-term auditory outcomes to mitigate the impact of treatment-related hearing loss.