Hearing loss during chemo

[K0717]

I have had 5 out of 6 chemo treatments (on the Docataxol now) and one increasing side effect I have noticed is a loss in my hearing, almost like everything is muffled, has anyone else experienced this?

[Lainey66]

Yes that happened to me, to the extent after six months I went for a hearing test. It has righted itself now and although I do have difficulty hearing people when there is a background noise It is much better than it was. I’m 18 month after treatment now. All the best with the rest of your treatment and wishing you a full recovery xxx

[K0717 in reply to Lainey66]

Yes I am the same with background noise and I dare not go anywhere where music is playing otherwise I am almost resorting to lip reading. My hearing wasn't great before chemo but it definitely go at lot worse during the course of treatment. Have book a GP visit next week to get referred for a hearing test after my chemo has finished.

[carolinenailsea]

I lost my hearing in one ear after chemo. It got better when I had my ear syringed. Perhaps a coincidence but maybe the impact of the chemo is wider and more insidious than we expect. Best thing is to speak with the breast care team. Well done on getting through the course. Caroline xxx.

[K0717 in reply to carolinenailsea]

Thanks Caroline, I have booked a GP appointment next week to hopefully get referred for a hearing test after my final chemo. Mine hearing has definitely gone downhill steadily during the course of my treatments and I wondered if it was just me x

[geetha0804]

I have had Chemo, radio therapy and mastectomy... yes, I am experiencing loss of hearing too

[K0717 in reply to geetha0804]

Thanks, seems I am not alone with this then x

[Linkj]

This is very interesting, my hearing is terrible, I am going to let my poor GP cope with the flu epidemic and then see him, he specialises in ear problems so should be helpful. We have little cilia (hairs) in our ears and I suspect we lose them as well with Chemo allowing wax to build up. Happy, health 2018 to you all. Lainey you are a star, always replying and supporting everyone.

Lin x

[Haven44]

Hello,

Apparently one of the lesser known effects of the wonderful docetaxol is that it can lead to build up of excess ear wax and, as in the previous comment, losing the tiny hairs in chemo makes it more difficult for the body to expell excess. I didn't have a huge problem with this but did have a perpetually crusty and blocked nose, not helped by a lack of nasal hair, which is probably related. Anyway, hopefully this is what is causing your issue and once you're off chemo and recovered a bit you can get them cleared out by syringing or ear candles according to preference. Best of luck with the rest of your treatment. Kx

[Hidden]

Me too. Use hearing aids all the time now. Hope yours improves.