Long-Term Incidence and Predictors of Significant Hearing Loss Requiring Hearing Assistive Devices Among Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Population-Based Study

PURPOSE Hearing loss is a significant late effect among childhood cancer survivors. Recent guidelines note insufficient evidence to quantify its natural history or risk associated with specific exposures. We examined the long-term incidence and predictors of hearing loss requiring hearing amplification devices (HADs) using population-based health care data.METHODS In Ontario, Canada, HAD costs are subsidized by the Assistive Devices Program (ADP). Ontario children 32.00 Gy. Carboplatin exposure was not associated with HAD.CONCLUSION Childhood cancer survivors are at elevated risk for requiring HAD, which continues to increase between 20 and 30 years after diagnosis. Thresholds of cisplatin and radiation exposure exist, above which risk substantially increases. Prolonged monitoring and trials of otoprotective agents are warranted in high-risk populations.