Actually, hearing changes are a fairly common side-effect of cisplatin, and several web-sites (e.g. that of M.D. Anderson) recommend against its use in patients with existing hearing issues (also, thise with existing kidney problems).

One paper states, "Ototoxicity has been observed in up to 31% of patients treated with a single dose of cisplatin 50 mg/m2, and is manifested by tinnitus and/or hearing loss in the high frequency range (4,000 to 8,000 Hz). Decreased ability to hear normal conversational tones may occur occasionally. Deafness after the initial dose of cisplatin has been reported rarely. Ototoxic effects may be more severe in children receiving cisplatin. Hearing loss can be unilateral or bilateral and tends to become more frequent and severe with repeated doses. Ototoxicity may be enhanced with prior or simultaneous cranial irradiation. It is unclear whether cisplatin induced ototoxicity is reversible. ...Careful monitoring of audiometry should be performed prior to initiation of therapy and prior to subsequent doses of cisplatin." Note that radiation exacerbated the problems. Cisplatin apparently causes damage to the cochlear hairs within the inner ear.

Another paper found serious hearing issues in about 25% of patients treated with cisplatin and radiation for nasopharyngeal cancer, and about 45% experienced some hearing problems during treatment.

Carboplatin has far less ototoxicity (though some has been reported) as well as far less nephrotoxicity. It does, however, cause depressed blood counts (as does cis-) and is also a strong emetic. My husband used Zofran and Anzemet as anti-nausea drugs, and says that his chemo was a "non-issue" compared to the physical demands of the radiation and its side-effects. I might add that his medical oncologist recommended 7 small doses (one a week) rather than 3 larger doses to further reduce side effects as well as maintain a more even concentration of the radiosensitizing drug.

Gail