Impact of cancer treatments on speech perception and quality of life

The Effect of Cancer Treatments on Speech Perception in Noise, Cognition, and Hearing-Related Quality of Life

Observational Turku University Hospital · NCT06551857

This study is trying to see how different cancer treatments affect how well people can hear and understand speech in noisy places, as well as their overall quality of life related to hearing.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment250 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorTurku University Hospital Government
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Turku, Southwest Finland)
Trial IDNCT06551857 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate how different cancer treatments affect speech perception in noisy environments, cognitive function, and overall hearing-related quality of life in 200 cancer patients undergoing standard care. Participants will be monitored over a three-year period, with assessments including various audiometric tests and cognitive evaluations. The study will utilize questionnaires to gauge hearing-related quality of life and cognitive performance at multiple time points throughout the treatment process.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are native Finnish-speaking cancer patients receiving curative treatment involving specific chemotherapeutic agents or radiation therapy in the head and neck region.

Not a fit: Patients with significant pre-existing hearing loss or those who have previously undergone treatment for malignancies may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of the side effects of cancer treatments on hearing and cognition, leading to improved patient care and support.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific combination of assessments in this study may be novel, previous studies have indicated that cancer treatments can adversely affect hearing and cognitive functions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* written informed consent
* native Finnish speaker
* age-normative hearing
* for participants in the treatment arms: diagnosis of a malignancy that will be treated with curative intent with any of the following: 1) Cisplatin as the main chemotherapeutic agent, 2) oxaliplatin as the main chemotherapeutic agent, 3) cisplatin-based chemoradiation therapy in the head and neck region, 4) radiation therapy in the head and neck region

Exclusion Criteria:

* inability to provide written informed consent
* Current or prior major otological condition that has affected or has had the potential to affect hearing
* Conductive or asymmetric sensorineural HL of any severity
* Severe sensorineural HL
* Prior malignancy treated with chemotherapeutics or radiation therapy
* Prior use of ototoxic medications
* Any significant disease or disorder which, in the opinion of the investigator, may either put the subject at risk by participation in the trial, or may influence the result of the trial.
* Any condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, would interfere with adherence to the trial requirements.

For participants in the treatment arms:

* Allergy or hypersensitivity to trial medications or their ingredients
* Pregnancy or breast-feeding, aim of becoming pregnant during the trial.

Where this trial is running

Turku, Southwest Finland

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions CancerHearing Loss OtotoxicCognitive DeclineQuality of Lifespeech perception in noiseototoxicityhearing losscancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.