Radiotherapy and Cochlear Implant

Introduction and objective: Like chemotherapy, radiotherapy is used for the treatment of neoplasms in both adult and pediatric populations. The use of radiotherapy may generate ototoxicity, which translates into progressive hypoacusis, and consequently, loss of quality of life. Hearing loss may be conductive (half of the patients who receive head and neck radiotherapy will develop serous otitis media) or sensorineural (progressive, irreversible, and dose-dependent). The objective of this work is to know the cochlear implant as a possible solution for sensorineural hearing loss secondary to radiotherapy.Description of the case: 68-year-old male with a history of brain tumor more than 20 years ago that was treated with surgery and radiotherapy. He presented with profound sensorineural hypoacusis in his right ear and severe in his left ear, secondary to the previously described therapy. After obtaining threshold tonal audiometry, logoaudiometry, and imaging test results, the patient received a cochlear implant in his right ear, resulting in a mean tonal threshold audiometric gain of up to 35 dB.Conclusions: Ototoxicity is an adverse effect of radiotherapy. It is important to use strategies aimed at trying to improve these patients' hearing, and therefore, their quality of life. Nowadays, cochlear implants are available as a therapeutic weapon for severe to profound bilateral sensorineural hypoacusis secondary to radiotherapy.