Research in children treated for the brain tumor ependymoma finds severe hearing loss is associated with worse intellectual ability and highlights the need for hearing interventions.
A study led by researchers at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital found that radiation therapy for the pediatric brain tumor ependymoma was a significant contributor to hearing loss, a risk directly linked to cognitive health. According to the findings published in Neuro-Oncology, children who developed severe hearing loss experienced a greater decline on cognitive measures compared to those who did not.
The study included 145 children treated with radiation therapy for ependymoma, with 34% being diagnosed with severe hearing loss in at least one ear. The research, led by Heather Conklin, PhD, of the St. Jude department of psychology & biobehavioral sciences, found that hearing loss was associated with worse intellectual ability and communication skills. It was also linked to a greater decline in intellectual ability over time, though verbal learning and memory remained stable.
“Hearing loss–associated cognitive decline is usually linked to combination therapies or having received chemotherapy and radiation therapy, but we saw a high rate of hearing loss and greater cognitive decline, even in a group that only received radiation,” says Conklin, in a release.
She notes that the risk is elevated in this specific patient population. “Hearing-loss rates are much higher in ependymoma than in some other brain tumors because these patients are younger when diagnosed, and treatment is more likely to include the cochlea due to tumor location,” Conklin adds.
The study also identified hydrocephalus, multiple surgeries, chemotherapy prior to radiation, and young age as factors associated with severe hearing loss.
While interventions such as hearing aids and cochlear implants can help patients, the researchers note that adherence can be a challenge. The study suggests that educating families on the link between hearing and cognitive health may improve the use of these devices.
“Surveyed parents said they would prioritize hearing aid use more if they believed it positively affected brain development, which motivates our work,” says Conklin, in a release. “Knowing these risks can help us with education and improving adherence.”
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