High Frequency Audiometric Study in Cancer-Cured Patients Treated with Cisplatin

Hearing loss has been described in patients undergoing chemotherapy, given the ototoxic nature of these drugs. An audiological investigation is relevant in such cases. AIM: to assess audibility thresholds at high frequencies in individuals with cancer that was treated successfully with cisplatin and its associations, to verify possible hearing loss as a side effect of therapy. Site and date of the study: Campinas, Sao Paulo, in 2006. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Ten volunteers aged between 5 and 27 years were assessed by a clinical history, otoscopy, and conventional and high frequencies audiometry in this clinical and experimental study. RESULTS: A kappa coefficient statistical analysis revealed significant differences between ears in 50% of 14 frequencies that were evaluated. Eight participants presented hearing losses, which started at 1 kHz, increasing markedly at 6 kHz and above. Fisher's Exact Test revealed a significant association only with the dose and the right ear at high frequencies. CONCLUSION: It is possible that the hearing loss detected in this study is at least partially due to the ototoxicity of antineoplastic drugs; such loss may occur even after treatment is interrupted. We suggest that a protocol for audiological follow-up of patients undergoing chemotherapy should be created.