Perceptions of Ototoxicity in Oncology

The incidence rates of cancer in S.A are among the highest rates reported in Africa. In the provision of cancer treatment, many patients may never be cured but their disease may be controlled so that they live for many years. Keeping this longer lifespan in mind, quality of life issues are of utmost importance. Therefore, it is essential for health care workers to be aware of the ototoxic effects of chemotherapy so as to address the possible auditory side effects. The authors, therefore, sought to explore oncologists' and oncology nurses' perceptions of the ototoxic effects of chemotherapy. Results revealed that a minority of healthcare workers reported referring patients for audiological management during the chemotherapeutic process. None of the respondents reported having protocols in place for ototoxicity monitoring. Therefore, it appears as though ototoxicity and the role of the audiologist are not fully realized. This book is intended as an academic text for health care professionals and students in the areas of cancer, hearing loss, pharmacology and improving the quality of life of patients.