Breast Cancer Drugs & Hearing Loss: What You Should Know

Every October, pink ribbons begin to bloom across social media feeds, store shelves, and lapels worldwide. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is more than a visual campaign — it’s a heartfelt, purposeful effort to raise awareness, encourage early detection, support research, and remind millions that they are not alone in the fight against breast cancer.

But while the stories of strength and survivorship take center stage, one often-overlooked aspect of treatment is its impact on hearing. Specifically, some breast cancer therapies may carry a risk of ototoxicity — a term that refers to drug-related damage to the ear, affecting hearing or balance.

In this article, we’ll explore the origins of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and dive into what patients and caregivers should know about the potential auditory side effects of certain medications.

A Brief History of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The movement to bring breast cancer into public conversation began in earnest during the 1980s. Although breast cancer had long been a leading cause of death among women, stigma and silence often left people feeling isolated and uninformed.

In 1985, the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries (now AstraZeneca) joined forces to create what we now recognize as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Their initial mission was clear: promote mammography as the most effective tool in the fight against breast cancer. But over the years, the campaign has evolved into a multifaceted global initiative involving education, advocacy, fundraising, and survivor empowerment.

The iconic pink ribbon became a recognizable symbol in 1991 when the Susan G. Komen Foundation handed them out to participants in its New York City race for breast cancer survivors. A year later, Estée Lauder cosmetics helped popularize the pink ribbon worldwide by distributing them at makeup counters.

Now, decades later, October serves as a time not only to raise funds but also to educate communities, share stories, encourage early screening, and improve the lives of those affected by breast cancer.

Beyond the Diagnosis: Understanding Ototoxicity in Breast Cancer Treatment

As treatment options become more advanced, so do our responsibilities to understand both their benefits and their side effects. One lesser-known but important area to consider is the risk of hearing loss or balance disorders resulting from certain cancer therapies.

This is known as ototoxicity — a condition in which medications or chemicals damage the inner ear. Ototoxic effects can result in symptoms such as:

• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Hearing loss (temporary or permanent)
• Dizziness or balance problems
• A feeling of fullness in the ears

For patients undergoing breast cancer treatment, these side effects can be especially surprising. After all, many expect changes like hair loss or fatigue — but few anticipate difficulties hearing their loved ones or enjoying their favorite music.

What Drugs Might Pose a Risk?

While cisplatin, a platinum-based chemotherapy drug, is widely known to cause hearing-related side effects, it’s not commonly used in breast cancer treatment. However, other medications, such as docetaxel, a member of the taxane family, have begun to raise questions about potential ototoxic effects.

Docetaxel is a powerful chemotherapeutic agent commonly used to treat various solid tumors, including invasive ductal breast cancer. It’s been shown to improve outcomes in both early and advanced stages of the disease.

But recent case reports suggest that for a small number of patients, docetaxel may be linked to sudden sensorineural hearing loss — hearing loss related to damage in the inner ear or the auditory nerve.

A 2020 study published in Cancer Biology & Therapy described two such cases. Both women, aged 58 and 74, developed significant hearing changes within two days of receiving docetaxel-based chemotherapy. Neither had prior hearing issues, and in both cases, no other likely cause was identified. Audiometric testing confirmed sensorineural hearing loss.

While these are just isolated cases and do not establish causation, they point to a possibility that deserves more attention and research.

Why Might This Happen?

The exact mechanisms behind docetaxel’s potential ototoxicity remain unclear. What is known, however, is that docetaxel and paclitaxel (both members of the taxane family) interfere with microtubules, which are structures within cells that are critical to many processes, including nerve function.

Animal studies on paclitaxel (a chemically similar drug) suggest that damage may occur in the auditory nerve fibers or spiral ganglion neurons — cells essential for transmitting sound signals from the inner ear to the brain.

Though these studies were conducted on mice and not yet confirmed in large-scale human trials, the structural and pharmacological similarities between the drugs raise important questions for clinical observation.

It’s worth noting that docetaxel’s official prescribing information currently includes no warnings about hearing loss. Still, as more anecdotal evidence and case studies emerge, medical professionals may be encouraged to monitor patients more closely for auditory symptoms during treatment.

Why This Matters for Patients

Hearing loss — even when temporary — can affect quality of life in profound ways. It may interfere with communication, increase feelings of isolation, or contribute to cognitive strain. For individuals already facing the physical and emotional challenges of cancer treatment, the added burden of a sensory loss can be overwhelming.

That’s why awareness is so important. If you’re undergoing treatment for breast cancer, especially with taxane-based chemotherapy like docetaxel, it’s a good idea to:

• Report symptoms early. Let your care team know immediately if you notice any buzzing, ringing, hearing changes, or dizziness.
• Get baseline hearing tests. Audiometric testing before and during treatment can help detect changes early.
• Ask about alternatives. If hearing changes do occur, your care team may be able to adjust your treatment plan.
• Follow up after treatment. Sometimes hearing changes develop gradually or persist after chemotherapy ends. Continued monitoring is key.

What You Can Do This October

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is about taking action — not just through pink-themed campaigns, but by being informed, proactive, and compassionate toward ourselves and others.

Here’s how you can take part:

• Schedule your screenings. Early detection saves lives. A routine mammogram could make all the difference.
• Support loved ones. Offer a listening ear, a ride to appointments, or a thoughtful check-in. Every gesture counts.
• Learn and share. Understanding the full picture of cancer treatment — including lesser-known side effects like ototoxicity — empowers patients to advocate for their health.
• Donate or volunteer. Contribute to research, patient support programs, or organizations driving change.

While hearing loss is not a widely recognized side effect of breast cancer treatment, emerging case reports suggest it deserves thoughtful attention. Awareness doesn’t mean alarm. It means preparation, advocacy, and partnership with your health care providers.

This October, let’s widen the conversation. Let’s talk about survival, prevention, early detection, and yes, hearing. Because hearing well helps us live well. And that’s something worth fighting for.

Contact us to schedule a hearing evaluation with our doctors of audiology today — and give your whole health the care it deserves.