Ototoxicity represents a clinically significant complication of anticancer therapy in pediatric patients. Cytotoxic agents used in oncology, particularly platinum-based chemotherapy, may induce damage to the auditory and vestibular systems, resulting in hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance disturbances....

Audiologists managing pediatric oncology patients should apply evidence-based auditory monitoring protocols aligned with current diagnostic frameworks for platinum-based chemotherapy ototoxicity; this review consolidates existing guidance but does not introduce new practice-changing evidence.

Pediatric ototoxicity monitoring is an underserved area where standardised protocols can meaningfully reduce permanent hearing loss in childhood cancer survivors.

1. 01Platinum-based chemotherapy (e.g., cisplatin, carboplatin) is a leading cause of permanent hearing loss in pediatric oncology patients.
2. 02The review evaluates current auditory monitoring strategies including high-frequency audiometry and OAE testing.
3. 03Contemporary diagnostic frameworks such as SIOP and ASHA grading scales are compared.
4. 04Early detection through serial audiological monitoring is emphasised to enable timely intervention.
5. 05Gaps in standardisation of monitoring schedules across institutions are identified.

PMID

42121973

DOI

10.3390/diagnostics16091272.

Journal

Diagnostics

Publication type

review

Evidence level

5

Population

Pediatric oncology patients receiving antineoplastic (cancer-fighting) agents, particularly platinum-based chemotherapy

Intervention

Auditory monitoring strategies and diagnostic frameworks for ototoxicity surveillance