Audiological performance in cochlear implanted patients deafened by meningitis depending on duration of deafness

The objective of our study was to evaluate audiological outcome in cochlear implanted children deafened by meningitis and its correlation with duration of deafness from meningitis in a retrospective clinical study at an academic tertiary referral center. Sixty patients profoundly deafened by meningitis were evaluated. Two groups of children depending on duration of deafness--group 1 defined by duration of deafness less than 6 months and group 2 defined by duration of deafness over 6 months were evaluated. The control group A (duration of deafness <6 months) and group B (duration of deafness >6 months) with similar demographics data and a non-meningitis-related cause of deafness were evaluated. Patient history, cochlear implantation and audiological findings (MAIS, MUSS and open set tests questionnaire) were investigated. Standardized diagnostic and therapeutic procedure was performed in all patients. Our results showed better auditory performance and language control in children implanted within 6 months after meningitis. Over the period of 36 months group 2 was able to catch up with the group 1 in the MUSS and MAIS tests. However, the results of the common phrases test remain significantly better in group 1 over this time period (P=0.0188). In case of meningitis, audiological and radiological assessment should be performed within 4 weeks after the onset of disease. We see a clear indication for immediate implantation in patients with profound SNHL caused by meningitis. The aim should be bilateral implantation in this population to achieve the best possible performance by implantation before obliteration occurs. Premeningetic auditory experience is an important advantage which should be used. Frequent bilateral and sometimes late obliteration should be taken into consideration in the decision-making process as well.