Effect of Radiation Therapy Among Head and Neck Cancer Patients on the Inner Ear Function

Evaluation of the Effect of Radiation Therapy Among Head and Neck Cancer Patients on the Inner Ear Function Using Novel Techniques

Aims: 1. To evaluate the effects of radiation therapy on the inner ear, among patients treated with radiation therapy for head and neck cancers using a wide battery of tests (Audiometry and tympanometry, vHIT, VEMP, ENG) ; 2. To correlate the mean total radiation dose to the cochlea with the effects on audiological and vestibular function

Inclusion Criteria:

• Females and males, Age: ≥ 18 years old
• Patients diagnosed Head and Neck cancers, not treated previously
• Planned for radiation therapy in which the inner ear will be radiated

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who were previously diagnosed with a vestibular disorder
• Previous middle or inner ear anomaly
• Failure to complete the whole course of radiation therapy
• More than one course of radiation therapy
• Patients treated with concurrent ototoxic chemotherapy
• Pregnant women
• Patients who will not sign an informed consent form
• Helpless or incompetent patients