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Sensorineural hearing loss in postmeningitic children
Mark B Wellman1, Doron D Sommer, Joseph McKenna
1Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Summary
Bacterial meningitis caused permanent sensorineural hearing loss in 13.9% of children. Streptococcus pneumoniae was significantly associated with hearing loss, highlighting the need for routine inpatient audiological screening post-meningitis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Audiology
Background:
- Bacterial meningitis is a leading cause of acquired hearing loss in children.
- Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) can have significant impacts on child development and academic outcomes.
- Previous studies have reported varying rates of SNHL following meningitis, necessitating further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of SNHL in children after bacterial meningitis.
- To identify patient factors associated with the development of SNHL.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of audiological assessment protocols in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case review of children diagnosed with bacterial meningitis between 1991 and 2000.
- Audiological assessments included auditory brainstem responses and standard audiometry.
- Correlations were drawn between SNHL and patient demographics, clinical factors, and causative pathogens.
Main Results:
- Of 79 children with bacterial meningitis, 13.9% developed permanent SNHL.
- Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most common pathogen (36.7%) and showed a significant association with SNHL (p < 0.001).
- Hearing assessment was confirmed in 86.1% of cases, with a non-referral rate of 11.4%.
Conclusions:
- Permanent SNHL affects approximately 13.9% of children with bacterial meningitis.
- Streptococcus pneumoniae is a significant risk factor for developing SNHL post-meningitis.
- Routine inpatient audiological screening is recommended for post-meningitic children to ensure early identification and intervention.