There are many causes for Ototoxicity, mostly medication induced, and by chemo, mostly platinum based, like Cisplatin, and this is called, Cochlearotoxicity, which can either be reversable, temporary or permament, and is dose dependant, meaning it depends on the dosage of Cisplatin you received, and it's found this occurs in high doses, above 60 mg, instead of lower doses weekly. The Cisplatin is absorbed in the cochlear's sound detecting hearing cells, and damages them, being chemo destroys fast acting cells like hair, nails, nerves, etc. Toxicities also depend on the speed of infusion, and duration of exposure. Also factoring in is any prior hearing problems, underlying medical conditions, like diabetes, that can cause tinnitus, and increase the risk. Tell your doctor, and they can regulate the dosage, stop it or change to another, so not to make this adverse effect permament. You should have a hearing test, prefably before treatment, during, and after to monitor any changes.

While on the subject, chemo can also cause Ocular Toxicity, which can lead to damage to the eyes, especially the optic nerve, leading to blurred vision, perpiheal loss, and even blindess, especially with Cisplatin, other platinum based drugs, taxanes, 5-FU, and others, so if you have any vision changes to tell your doctor, and should have an eye exam too. I'm blind in one eye from chemo.

I hope this helps


10/09 T1N2bM0 Tonsil
11/09 Taxo Cisp 5-FU, 6 Months Hosp
01/11 35 IMRT 70Gy 7 Wks
06/11 30 HBO
08/11 RND PNI
06/12 SND PNI LVI
08/12 RND Pec Flap IORT 12 Gy
10/12 25 IMRT 50Gy 6 Wks Taxo Erbitux
10/13 SND
10/13 TBO/Angiograph
10/13 RND Carotid Remove IORT 10Gy PNI
12/13 25 Protons 50Gy 6 Wks Carbo
11/14 All Teeth Extract 30 HBO
03/15 Sequestromy Buccal Flap ORN
09/16 Mandibulectomy Fib Flap Sternotomy
04/17 Regraft hypergranulation Donor Site
06/17 Heart Attack Stent
02/19 Finally Cancer Free Took 10 yrs