Audiograms and hearing loss before and after cisplatin-based chemotherapy (CBCT) in testicular cancer survivors (TCS).

Abstract

e16047 Background: 80% of TCS were reported to have a hearing loss based on post-CBCT audiograms (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) definition; Frisina et al, JCO 2016:34) Methods: 46 TCS treated with CBCT 1980-1994 with audiograms (0.25-8 kHz) pre chemotherapy (PRE) and at a survey (SURV) after median 10 years were included (cases). Audiograms at SURV from 46 age-matched TCS without CBCT were included as controls. Linear regression was performed to evaluate predictors for change in hearing threshold level (HTL) from PRE to SURV. Mean HTL for both ears exceeding 20 dB at any frequency 0.25-8 kHz were classified as a hearing loss (ASHA definition). We also applied the WHO definition of hearing loss, present if the average HTL threshold for the four frequencies 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz exceeded 20 dB (M4 definition). At SURV, self-reported hearing loss was assessed by a questionnaire (categorized as “a little”, “quite a bit” and “very much” vs. “not at all”). Results: Age and PRE HTL was associated with change in HTL for most frequencies. Cisplatin dose was significantly associated with change in HTL for the frequencies 2 to 8 kHz, with a gradually greater change in HTL and lower p-value with increasing frequencies. For the 8 kHz frequency, each 100 mg increase in cumulative cisplatin dose was associated with a deterioration of 3.6 dB (p < .001). According to ASHA, the prevalence of a hearing loss among cases was 33% PRE, 70% at SURV, and 65% among controls at SURV (cases vs. controls, p = .66). According to M4, the prevalence of hearing loss among cases was 6.5% PRE, 13% at SURV, and 2.2% among controls at SURV (cases vs. controls, p = 0.05). Overall 29% of cases, and 33% of controls (p = .70) reported some degree of hearing impairment at SURV, of whom only 6.5% of cases reported more than “a little”. Self-reported hearing loss was not associated with hearing loss according to ASHA (p = .20), but was associated with the M4 definition (p = .02). Conclusions: Cisplatin is associated with a moderate hearing loss particularly at higher frequencies. Ageing is important for hearing loss regardless of treatment. The ASHA definition of hearing loss overestimates the hearing problem and should not be used as a clinical tool.