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Hearing problems

Anyone, even people who have never had cancer, can develop hearing problems. However, some cancer treatments can increase the risk. It is important that you recognize and understand symptoms and signs that may indicate hearing problems.

What are hearing problems?

Everyone, including people who have never had cancer, can experience hearing problems. Some cancer treatments can increase the risk. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms that may indicate hearing problems.

Do I have an increased risk of hearing problems?

Certain cancer treatments can increase the risk of hearing problems. You can check your treatment summary to see if you have had any of these treatments. If you do not have a summary, you can contact the LATER clinic or the hospital where you were treated.

What are the signs and symptoms of hearing problems?

Certain signs and symptoms may indicate hearing problems. Even if you do not currently have these signs or symptoms, it is important to recognize them.

Signs and symptoms that may indicate hearing problems include:

  • Hearing loss or missing sounds

  • Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)

  • Sensitivity to loud sounds

  • Difficulty understanding conversations, especially in noisy environments

If you recognize any of these signs or symptoms, contact your GP or LATER physician.

What examinations are needed and when?

If you have an increased risk of hearing problems, your LATER physician may refer you for a hearing test (audiometry) or further evaluation by an ENT specialist. The advice may include:

  • Regular hearing checks, especially if you have symptoms

  • Screening according to LATER clinic guidelines, usually every 1–2 years for those at increased risk

What happens if I have hearing problems?

If you have hearing problems, your GP or LATER physician will discuss options with you. Depending on the cause, this may include referral to:

  • ENT specialist (ear, nose, and throat)

  • Audiologist (hearing specialist)

Treatment options may include hearing aids, assistive listening devices, tinnitus therapy, or advice on protecting your ears from loud noise.

What else can I do?

Living with (an increased risk of) hearing problems can be challenging. Talking with friends and family can help. Contact with people in a similar situation can also be supportive, for example through a patient organization such as VOX, part of the Dutch Childhood Cancer Organization.

Take good care of yourself. Protect your ears from loud noise and use hearing protection when needed. Also, take care of your mental well-being; small adjustments can improve daily life. It is important to know that you may develop hearing problems and to recognize the signs and symptoms.

If you have questions or concerns after reading this information, contact your GP or LATER physician.

Where can I find more information?

On this LATER website, you can also find information about:

  • Healthy lifestyle

  • Mental well-being

The PanCare Plain Language Summaries provide links to information in English. You can search online for information about hearing problems, but note that it may not always be up-to-date or accurate.

Disclaimer

This information is based on the patient-friendly summary of the guideline, prepared by the PanCare Plain Information Group, and has been adapted where necessary to the Dutch LATER guideline. Do not rely solely on this information for symptoms or signs; consult your GP, LATER physician, or specialist.