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Updated: Jul 26, 2026

Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Published on: January 25, 2016
Delayed deterioration of hearing following bacterial meningitis
1Department of Audiological Medicine, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford, UK.
Abstract:
Bacterial meningitis is an important cause of acquired sensorineural deafness in childhood. Deafness following meningitis may be progressive. Previous reports have shown deterioration in hearing up to 12 years after the illness. We present two cases of sensorineural deafness following meningitis. Severe to profound sensorineural hearing losses were detected immediately after meningitis in these patients. The hearing subsequently deteriorated in both cases. Deterioration in hearing thresholds occurred 17 years after the illness in one case. In the other patient the hearing got progressively worse three years after meningitis. She subsequently required a cochlear implant.
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