A recent prospective study published in the Indian Journal of Otology in May 2026 demonstrates that restricting cochlear radiation to under 10 Gy during intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) successfully rescues head-and-neck cancer patients from irreversible sensorineural hearing loss. This vital dose restriction clinically slashes severe hearing impairment rates from historical highs of 75% down to just 22.72%. Therefore, the six-month prospective study tracked 44 head-and-neck oncology patients using baseline and post-treatment audiometry. Patients with prior radiation, pre-existing middle ear pathologies, or exposure to other ototoxic medications were excluded from the trial. A study of cochlear sparing in intensity-modulated radiotherapy in head-and-neck cancer patients.