Study Links Hearing Loss to Cognitive Decline in Children After Cancer Treatment

Research from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital finds radiation therapy for brain tumors increases risk of hearing loss and associated cognitive impacts.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A study led by researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that children treated for the brain tumor ependymoma with radiation therapy experienced higher rates of severe hearing loss, which was directly linked to greater cognitive decline over time compared to those without hearing loss. The study highlights the importance of tailored cancer treatments that limit side effects and the need for interventions like hearing aids to support patients.

Why it matters

This research underscores the significant long-term impacts that cancer treatments, particularly radiation therapy, can have on a child's cognitive development and communication abilities. Understanding these risks is crucial to improving supportive care and developing more targeted therapies that minimize side effects for young cancer patients.

The details

The study included 145 children treated for ependymoma, a type of childhood brain tumor, using radiation therapy. Researchers found that 34% of the children developed severe hearing loss in one or both ears, which was associated with worse intellectual ability, communication skills, and greater decline in intellectual ability over time. However, verbal learning and memory remained stable. Factors like hydrocephalus, multiple surgeries, chemotherapy before radiation, and young age at diagnosis were also linked to higher rates of severe hearing loss.

  • The study was published in Neuro-Oncology on February 20, 2026.

The players

Heather Conklin

PhD, lead author of the study and researcher in the Department of Psychology & Biobehavioral Sciences at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

A pediatric treatment and research facility that led this study on the impacts of cancer treatment on cognitive and communication abilities in children.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“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.”

— Heather Conklin, PhD, researcher (Neuro-Oncology)

“Surveyed parents said they would prioritize hearing aid use more if they believed it positively affected brain development, which motivates our work. Knowing these risks can help us with education and improving adherence.”

— Heather Conklin, PhD, researcher (Neuro-Oncology)

What’s next

Researchers noted that interventions like hearing aids, cochlear implants, and targeted academic supports can help mitigate the hearing and cognitive deficits experienced by children after cancer treatment. Improving adherence to these supportive measures is an ongoing goal.

The takeaway

This study highlights the critical need to develop more tailored cancer therapies that limit side effects, as well as the importance of closely monitoring and supporting the long-term cognitive and communication development of young cancer patients, especially those who experience hearing loss as a result of their treatment.