Late Effect (1st of 2)
Hearing loss
Your risk is greater if:
- You were at a younger age during treatment.
- You received a higher radiation dose, especially greater than 50 Gy.
- You were also treated with cisplatin or carboplatin.
- You have chronic ear infection or chronic ear wax impaction.
Recommended Evaluation
- History and physical yearly
- Hearing test (audiogram) yearly after treatment for at least five years, then every five years
Management
- Minimize your exposure to loud noise, e.g., listening to loud music.
- You may need an otolaryngology consult if you have problems.
Late Effect (2nd of 2)
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Your risk is greater if you:
- Were at a younger age during treatment.
- Had a central nervous system (CNS) tumor.
- Have had a shunt.
- Had a higher radiation dose, especially over 30-40 Gy.
- Were also treated with cisplatin and/or certain antibiotics, e.g., Gentamicin.
Recommended Evaluation
- History and physical exam yearly
- Hearing test (audiogram) yearly after treatment for at least five years, then every five years
Management
- Minimize your exposure to loud noise, e.g., listening to loud music.
- You may need an audiology consultation for hearing loss and hearing aids.
- You may need an otolaryngology consultation for chronic infection or ear wax.
