Characteristics of radiation‐induced sensorineural hearing loss in head and neck cancer: A systematic review. Issue 11 (22nd December 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mujica–Mota, Mario; Waissbluth, Sofia; Daniel, Sam J.
• Is Part Of: Head & neck. Volume 35:Issue 11(2013:Nov.)
• Page Start: 1662
• Page End: 1668
• Publication Date: 2012-12-22
• Subjects: Head -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Neck -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Head -- Periodicals; Neck -- Periodicals; Face -- Periodicals; 617.51059
• DOI: 10.1002/hed.23201
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-3074

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="hed23201-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>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.</p> </sec> <sec id="hed23201-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>Seven databases were searched to identify eligible studies. Eligible articles were independently assessed for quality by 2 authors.</p> </sec> <sec id="hed23201-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>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.</p> </sec> <sec id="hed23201-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>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. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. <italic>Head Neck</italic>, <bold>35</bold>: 1662–1668, 2013</p> </sec> </abstract>