Earing Loss from Lymphoedema

[Peintwr]

I have lymphoedema following surgery to my jaw for a cancer and I also had a 30 day course of radiotherapy. I have lost the hearing in one ear the same side as the treatment- will I regain hearing

[Hidden]

Peintwr it is probably best to ask your surgeon/ oncologist/radiologist this question. Hearing loss may be due to radiotherapy damage to the inner ear or to the nerve supply. Also the surgery itself may have also caused damage to these structures. After surgery and radiotherapy to the head and neck, people often experience lymphoedema. Sometimes this is a visible swelling to the face, chin, neck or scalp, especially on the affected side. But this may also be around or near the internal structures and may be a visible swelling in the earlobe itself. The oedema whether visible or internal can affect hearing.

The best way to reduce this swelling (oedema) is by doing self lymphatic drainage ( gently stretching the skin of the neck down towards the collar bone, or back towards the nape of the neck). There are videos online you could follow.

You could also do some facial exercises, which Speech and Language therapists usually teach

youtube.com/watch?v=0fsGtVq...(Not working as expected?)

If you feel you do have swelling: see if you can be referred to a lymphoedema service. If there isn't a local one operating at present, there may be a private therapist who can help you. The British Lymphology Website has a directory of registered therepists area by area.

Wishing you a speedy recovery.

[Peintwr in reply to Hidden]

Thank you - I suspect it is swelling as it only started several weeks after the end of radiotherapy

[Lynora]

There are also independent lymphoedema therapists who could advise - mlduk.org.uk/therapists

[Peintwr in reply to Lynora]

Thank you

[Hidden in reply to Lynora]

Of Course Lynora. I forgot.