[Acute meningococcal disease. Study of auditive sequelae]

We have examined the auditory function in 49 children that have survived an acute meningococcal disease (AMD). Functional auditory exploration consisted of: ABR; tonal liminal audiometry or behavioral audiometry (Peep-show method, Suzuki-Ogiba ROC) depending on the age and collaboration of the patient; and impedanciometrical techniques (tympanometry, ipsi and contra-lateral stapedial reflex). Three months later, altered tests were repeated in patients that had been evaluated at a time greater than 90 days after their first day of hospitalization (n = 18). All tests were repeated in those patients that had been evaluated before 90 days from the first day of hospitalization (n = 31). No transmission or neurosensory hearing impairments were detected as a result of AMD. We consider the absence of neurosensory hearing impairment, despite the presence of significant risk factors, an important finding. These results suggest that the risk of hearing impairment could be reduced to a minimum by the early establishment of antibiotic treatment.