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Will Radiation From A CT Scan Cause Hearing Loss After A Brain Surgery?
I had brain surgery in 1978 for removal of a brain tumor. The tumor could not be totally removed. I received radiation therapy to make sure the tumor didn't grow back. In 1978 I was 19 years old. After 5 years the neurologist declared me 'cured' and I have not had any CAT scans since. I am now 55 years old and I can't remember anything and I have problems trying to learn anything new. I wear hearing aids because the radiation destroyed my hearing. This has been going on for a good 10 years that I've noticed. A neurologist I saw ONCE about 3 years ago wanted me to go for a CT scan. I refused because I don't want the radiation. Will the radiation from a CT scan make my situation worse or add damage in any way?
Wed, 5 Feb 2014
hello and welcome to health care magic,
I see your concern on the effect of radiation on the hearing and ear and your worry to not to get a CT scan.
You must however realize that the radiation is harmful in two conditions, one when you have a sufficiently high dose of radiation for any period of time and another when you have radiation exposure of any strength for a long period of time. The CAT scan has a low radiation which is well within the normal range of exposure and risk and also the exposure duration is too short for it to have any effect on the nerve of hearing.
In effect the radiation which is used in CT is not so strong and not for so long as the radiation for the treatment of the tumour so you do not have anything to worry about.
Furthermore the only way to continue follow up is by the CT scan which can give valuable insights on your present condition so I would advice you do definitely get it done. If you are very scared though you may ask for the MRI which is not a proper radiation test. But it is finally the call of your treating doctor.
Hope this helps
regards
Dr Sriram Nathan
I see your concern on the effect of radiation on the hearing and ear and your worry to not to get a CT scan.
You must however realize that the radiation is harmful in two conditions, one when you have a sufficiently high dose of radiation for any period of time and another when you have radiation exposure of any strength for a long period of time. The CAT scan has a low radiation which is well within the normal range of exposure and risk and also the exposure duration is too short for it to have any effect on the nerve of hearing.
In effect the radiation which is used in CT is not so strong and not for so long as the radiation for the treatment of the tumour so you do not have anything to worry about.
Furthermore the only way to continue follow up is by the CT scan which can give valuable insights on your present condition so I would advice you do definitely get it done. If you are very scared though you may ask for the MRI which is not a proper radiation test. But it is finally the call of your treating doctor.
Hope this helps
regards
Dr Sriram Nathan
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