DavidDH,

I’ve had tinnitus before cancer, but through the years I’ve noticed the tinnitus increased, and wasn’t hearing as well, then I started cupping my ear, usually right, to hear better. One day I mentioned this to my cancer surgeon, otolaryngologist, who sent me to their hearing specialist, otolaryncologist, who did an exam and hearing test in a booth, by his associate.

They came back and said I have 80% hearing in my right ear, which is fairly normal for my age, but my left ear I only have 50% hearing, and reason for my leaving forward and cupping my ear, which is usually with high pitched noises. They said they usually put the hearing aide on the good side, and was sending me to their audiologist (it’s a big CCC amongst others). I never went to see about a hearing aide. Lots of people had complained about theirs on-line discussion groups, but my main reason was the cost, over $2,000 or more, so I’m still cupping my ear five years later lol!

I never had pre-treatment testing, and should have .The hearing specialist blamed radiation and my surgeries. I had both sides radiated once, and 4 more times on my left side, and 5 neck dissections on my left. My ENT blames radiation lol. I initially had TPF induction chemo, and other chemos other times. The hearing dr said if it was the chemos it wouid have been both sides with hearing loss.

I hope yours resolves. It may be good to have your hearing tested, and as mentioned, they can change chemo’s.