The impact of hearing loss on cognitive outcomes among children treated with radiation therapy for ependymoma

Neuro-Oncology 2026 Open access

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Authors: Jeanelle S. Ali, Johnnie K. Bass, Fang Wang, Xiaomeng Yuan, Haitao Pan, Jason M. Ashford, Niki Jurbergs, Nicole A. Salman, Thomas E. Merchant, Heather M. Conklin
DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noag029
Cited by: 0
References: 37

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a common adverse treatment effect among pediatric brain tumor survivors. Neurocognitive functioning among children for whom radiation therapy (RT) is the primary SNHL risk factor has received limited attention. Accordingly, this study investigated neurocognitive outcomes as a function of SNHL among children treated for ependymoma with RT. METHODS: Prospective, serial, neurocognitive, and audiology assessments were conducted with 145 children diagnosed with ependymoma and enrolled on a Phase II trial of conformal photon RT (NCT00187226; 53% female; 83% White; mean age at RT = 5.04 ± 4.47 years). SNHL was dichotomized as normal/mild-to-moderate or severe (Chang grade

Fields of Study & Subjects

Childhood Cancer Survivors' Quality of Life Cancer-related cognitive impairment studies Glioma Diagnosis and Treatment

Publication details

Journal / source
Neuro-Oncology
Volume
28
Issue
6
Pages
1517–1526
Publication date
10 February 2026
Language
EN