title: Characteristics of radiation-induced sensorineural hearing loss in head and neck cancer: a systematic review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Patients receiving radiotherapy (RT) for head and neck tumors are at risk of developing sensorineural hearing loss. The objective of this study was to analyze the literature regarding sensorineural hearing loss after RT for head and neck cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seven databases were searched to identify eligible studies. Eligible articles were independently assessed for quality by 2 authors.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fourteen articles were evaluated. There was considerable heterogeneity among studies. The reported incidence of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) varied from 0% to 85% for the speech frequencies and from 27% to 95% for high frequencies. As the follow-up increased, an increase in the incidence of SNHL was observed. The minimum cochlear dose reported to be a risk factor for SNHL was 45 Gy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  High quality literature in the topic is lacking. Radiation-induced SNHL is progressive, permanent, and dose-dependent. Total dose and follow-up time are important factors affecting incidence rates.
authors.affiliation: Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mujica-Mota
authors.forename: Sofia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Waissbluth
authors.forename: Sam J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Daniel
mesh_terms: D015331:Cohort Studies; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D020266:Radiotherapy, Conformal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D050397:Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: cancer; cochlea; head and neck; radiotherapy; sensorineural hearing loss