Hearing, smell, and cognitive function after cancer treatment.

Abstract

Objective: This study investigates the sensory and cognitive impact of cancer and its treatment, focusing on possible chemotherapy-induced hearing and olfactory impairment, and cognitive function. The primary aim is to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of an extended test battery for assessing sensory and cognitive function in cancer patients, providing foundational knowledge for a larger study. A secondary aim is to examine associations between chemotherapy types and sense-neurodegenerative function.

Design: An observational cross-sectional, pilot study evaluated hearing, olfactory function, and cognitive function in first-line chemotherapy patients without prior brain injuries and ototoxic or otological histories. Self-reported outcomes on communication strategies, tinnitus and olfaction were collected. Data analysis applied descriptive statistics with t-tests, and Fisher´s exact tests to compare auditory, olfactory, and cognitive performance between treatment groups.

Study sample: Thirteen cancer survivors (n = 13), six (n = 6) females and seven (n = 7) males who received two different types of chemotherapy.

Results: No significant differences were observed between the chemotherapy groups in audiological and olfactory tests, cognitive assessment, or self-reported outcomes. However, among those receiving platinum-based chemotherapy, participants reported greater use of communication strategies in specific areas.

Conclusion: No significant differences in hearing, olfactory, cognitive, and self-reported outcomes were found when examining cancer patients receiving two different chemotherapy types. The study highlights the need for advanced diagnostic tools to detect hearing, olfactory, and cognitive function in cancer survivors.