Audiological findings in patients treated with radiotherapy for head and neck tumors.
Radiotherapy has been widely used given its increase in the successful outcomes and cure of some cancers.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the functionality of the auditory system in patients who underwent radiotherapy treatment for head and neck tumors.


METHODS
From May 2007 to May 2008, otorhinolaryngological and audiological evaluation (Pure Tone Audiometry (air and bone conduction), Speech Audiometry, Tympanometry, Acoustic Reflex testing and Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions) were performed in 19 patients diagnosed with head and neck neoplasia and treated with radiotherapy. Prospective case series study.


RESULTS
10.5% left ears and 26.3% right ears had bilateral hearing loss soon after radiotherapy according to ASHA criteria.


CONCLUSIONS
Radiotherapy treatment for head and neck cancer has ototoxic effects. Early programs of auditory rehabilitation should be offered to these patients.
Dell'Aringa
Ana Helena Bannwart
AH
Otolaryngology Program, Medical School of Marília.
Isaac
Myrian de Lima
Mde L
Arruda
Gustavo Viani
GV
Dell'Aringa
Alfredo Rafael
AR
Esteves
Maria Carolina B N
MC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001301:Audiometry, Pure-Tone; D001309:Auditory Threshold; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006309:Hearing / Q000528:radiation effects*; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index