Auditory Alterations Following Radiotherapy in Patients with Head and Neck Malignancy: A Prospective Study

Abstract

Aims and Objectives: The objective is to study the auditory alterations following radiotherapy (RT) in patients with head and neck (H and N) malignancy. Materials and Methods: Patients reporting to ENT OPD and those admitted, with histologically proved H and N malignancy, undergoing RT, as the treatment modality, were included in the present study, after complete ENT and general physical examination, excluding patients with previous history of ear disease, diabetes and hypertension. Results: A total 120 patients were enrolled for the present study and were examined for otological complications following RT. It was found that the patients had hearing loss, tinnitus, ear fullness and serous otitis media. Hearing loss was mainly sensorineural and was mostly seen in carcinoma of the oral cavity, oropharynx, and nasopharynx. The patients with carcinoma of esophagus, thyroid, and occult primary did not show any significant change in hearing. Conclusion: As radiation field descends down from nasopharynx to esophagus, the effect on otological structures decreases.