By W.L. “Hunter” Huntley, III, HAS, BC-HIS
The month of September is designated as National Prostate Cancer Awareness month. Prostate cancer can usually be treated successfully when caught early enough. Early detection is imperative to overcoming any health issue!
Prostate cancer may be treated in a variety of ways: including surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, biologic therapy, bisphosphonate therapy, and chemotherapy. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may cause side effects to the brain, spinal cord and nervous system. Hearing loss is a very common side effect.
There are also several new types of treatment that are being tested in clinical trials, including cryotherapy, high intensity focused ultrasound, and proton beam radiation therapy. Patients can also enter clinical trials before, during, or after starting their cancer treatment; usually requiring follow-up tests.
Sometimes prostate cancer patients that receive hormone therapy or have their testicles removed experience symptoms similar to menopause.
Chemotherapy, steroid medications, or hormone therapy may cause osteoporosis, which is the thinning of the bones, or joint pain, in addition to hearing loss.
Cancer survivors should be aware that hearing loss is a common side effect that is usually treatable with hearing instruments. However, the earlier individuals with hearing loss seek help for their impairment, the better the chance of finding a viable hearing solution.
Early detection is key! The longer the auditory cortex of the brain (responsible for speech interpretation) goes with-
out “proper” stimulation, the greater the chance of brain atrophy. Since brain atrophy is the damage or loss of brain cells, there is no treatment to cure this complication.
This means that the ailment must be prevented before it happens with hearing instruments and a healthy active lifestyle.
This is another reason why treating hearing loss should not be overlooked. Hearing instrument technology has grown by leaps and bounds in the last several years. Hearing impaired individuals can find devices that best suits their lifestyle easily. If you or a loved one finds yourself struggling to hear or understand in conversations, call 997-8288 to schedule an appointment for a FREE, no obligation hearing examination before it’s too late.
239-997-8288
www.leonardihearing.com