Cochlear implantation for bilateral severe hearing loss after a single administration of cisplatin: A case report

We encountered a patient who underwent cochlear implant surgery for bilateral severe hearing loss after administration of cisplatin. The patient was a 69-year-old man who received cisplatin and vinorelbine as post-operative chemotherapy for lung cancer. On day 7 of administration, the patient experienced hearing loss. On day 9, pure tone audiometry showed bilateral deafness. The patient also developed a renal disorder, but it subsequently improved. As hearing aids were ineffective, cochlear implantation was performed to treat the bilateral severe hearing loss. The patientʼs hearing ability was favorable immediately after the implantation. This case shows that hearing loss can be induced by cisplatin after not only dose accumulation but also single administration. Identifying genes related to cisplatin-induced hearing loss to predict post-administration hearing can contribute to a safer cancer treatment plan. Currently, there is no method for predicting or preventing the onset of hearing loss; therefore, cochlear implant surgery may be the only option for patients who develop bilateral severe hearing loss after the first administration of cisplatin.