Deep experience teaches us well-informed patients are ideal hearing healthcare partners, For Life. From expert services provided to advanced technology prescribed, your Joys of Hearing motivate us to develop individualized treatment plans. While ear to brain is a vital domain, in purposeful collaboration with your other Doctors, we must communicate and apply Whole Person Care principles. | | |
Ensuring you are In the Know about medically related factors is a responsibility our practice takes to heart. Systems-thinking is key, namely body systems such as circulatory, within which blood flow and toxins or impurities can negatively impact functionality of tiny auditory (hearing) and/or vestibular (balance) organs.
During April’s Head & Neck Cancer Awareness Month, be alerted how treatment of this prevalent disease relates to hearing acuities. Societal trends regarding cancer are profound, as the Center for Disease Control (CDC) specifies:
“The total number of cases is predicted to increase by 49% from 1,534,500 (2015) to 2,286,300 annual cases (2050). In each age group, the total number of cases is predicted to increase. The largest percent increase was projected for adults aged ≥85 years followed by adults aged 75–84 years (Figure 1).” 1
We should realize these alarming statistics and aging trends:
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In practice, chemotherapy is a primary cancer treatment regimen, with cisplatin and similar chemical compounds as frequently used therapeutic agents. This requires us to understand Ototoxicity, the manner in which certain drugs can cause side effects such as ringing in the ears (tinnitus), hearing loss or dizziness. Harmful effects can impact the cochlea (inner ear) or vestibular (balance) system. This article’s Toxicity section explains details.
The Enhancing Healthcare Team Outcomes section states:
“Interprofessional collaboration and care coordination between physicians (particularly oncology specialists), mid-level practitioners, nursing staff, pharmacists, and other healthcare providers enhance team performance and patient outcomes. Working as a team while caring for patients undergoing treatment with cisplatin is greatly important. As a team, monitoring for side effects and toxicity can be more efficient with fewer poor outcomes and earlier intervention.”
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Estimates indicate:
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More than 500,000 patients diagnosed with these cancers annually in the U.S. could be candidates for cisplatin treatment.
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The incidence of ototoxicity induced by cisplatin has been estimated to be 36% of adult patients with cancer.
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The receipt of cisplatin is associated with a 5-fold increase in the risk of hearing impairment, and the incidence and severity are cumulative with exposure.2
Another article advises:
“Hence, monitoring, and early identification of cisplatin-induced hearing loss are crucial to prevent detrimental impact on hearing and thereby the quality of life. (QoL)” 2
| | | Keep in mind that, beyond Cisplatin, there are 100s of potentially ototoxic medications, including many commonly used, but most remain (despite Rx paperwork provided) unaware of side effects. For a comprehensive list, click here. | | Taking these factors into consideration, Ototoxicity Monitoring should be integrated into daily or acute decision-making with a healthy sequence like this: | | |
An extensive Veteran’s Administration (VA) study on the urgent need to establish such protocols suggests:
“Nearly half (47%) rated the impact of ototoxicity on patient’s QoL and functioning as moderate to severe, and a solid majority (65%) felt that ototoxicity would have a moderate to major impact on their treatment decisions for the patient. Most oncologists participating in the survey also indicated that they will adopt any intervention and monitoring strategies shown to improve outcomes for patients.” 2
“A successful ototoxicity monitoring program requires team relationships between audiology and oncology so that communication between services can be efficient. Presenting clear, reliable, easily understood and evidence-based test results will improve communication, therapeutic planning, coordination of care, and informed decision-making.” 3
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1 https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2021/21_0006.htm
2 Asmi Chattaraj et al., Cisplatin-Induced Ototoxicity: A Concise Review of the Burden, Prevention, and Interception Strategies. JCO Oncol Pract 19, 278-283(2023).
DOI:10.1200/OP.22.00710
3 Konrad-Martin D, Reavis KM, McMillan G, Helt WJ, Dille M. Proposed comprehensive ototoxicity monitoring program for VA healthcare (COMP-VA). J Rehabil Res Dev. 2014;51(1):81-100. doi: 10.1682/JRRD.2013.04.0092. PMID: 24805896; PMCID: PMC4635678.
| | | | For Ototoxicity Monitoring Protocol details, see this diagram: | | |
While we take your hearing care seriously, a little laughter goes a long way.
Good Humor, Healthy Hearing
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Given life-changing strides being made in cancer care, compassionate clinicians and talented surgeons are dedicated to optimal outcomes. To put more life into years, we must focus on taking care of our ears. From the ability to understand medical instructions and communicate with care providers to the joys of hearing, factoring Ototoxicity concerns into Doctor/Patient dialogue is crucial. Self-advocacy matters and you deserve to Hear the Facts.
Count on us for baseline exams, ongoing evaluations of hearing ability trends and sound advice.
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After 50 incredible years of serving our community,
Focus Hearing is turning the page to an
exciting new chapter! 🎉
| We’re moving into a brand new, bigger, brighter, and fresher office — at the same convenient address you know and trust: | |
📍10990 Quivara Rd. Suite 120
Overland Park, KS 66210
Focus Hearing Quivira Walk-In Hours:
Monday – Friday 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Same location. New space. Elevated experience. Come in the front doors and turn LEFT, we are at the end of the hallway.✨
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And don’t forget — we’re still proudly serving you at our South location:
📍7500 W 160th St, Suite 103
Stilwell, KS 66085
Focus Hearing South Walk-In Hours:
Monday – Thursday 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Closed for Lunch 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM
Here’s to 50 years of better hearing and an even
brighter future ahead! 🩵👂
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Our Patients Say It Best
“Focus hearing is the best! Shannon is awesome at analyzing my needs. She is professional, concerned & efficient. The office staff is friendly and helpful. Monday through Friday, walk-in hours allow visits with front desk staff to troubleshoot any problems with the hearing aids. Love my new hearing aids. Time with family and friends is more pleasant. Thanks for all you do!!!”
— Rita K.
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Walk-In Service Hours
Monday – Friday 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
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Walk-In Service Hours
Monday – Thursday 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Closed for Lunch 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm
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The information contained herein is provided for general educational purposes. Regarding specific questions, please talk to your Hearing Healthcare Providers.
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