Cancerbackup: Changes to hearing

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Changes to hearing after treatment for head and neck cancer

Computer technology has made great advances in this area. If you have a problem with hearing after your cancer and treatment, there are cochlear implants (digital hearing aids that can recognise speech) and miniature hearing aids that can help.

Sometimes the small tube between the ear and the throat (the Eustachian tube) can become blocked after treatment. The Eustachian tube helps to regulate air pressure in the ear, and if blocked it can affect hearing. If this happens a simple operation to put in a tiny tube (grommet) can help the ear to drain and improve hearing. This is usually done under a local anaesthetic.


Content last reviewed: 01 November 2007
Page last modified: 14 January 2009

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