Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Intrathecal Application of a Fluorescent Dye for the Identification of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in Cochlear Malformation
06:59

Intrathecal Application of a Fluorescent Dye for the Identification of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in Cochlear Malformation

Published on: February 29, 2020

Meningitis resulting in hearing loss and labyrinthitis ossificans - does the causative organism matter?

Susan A Douglas1, Halit Sanli, William P R Gibson

  • 1The Sydney Cochlear Implant Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney Australia. SusanADouglas@gmail.com

Cochlear Implants International
|February 5, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis poses a significantly higher risk of profound hearing loss and cochlear implantation compared to Neisseria meningitidis meningitis.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Meningitis can lead to severe hearing loss and cochlear ossification.
  • Identifying causative agents is crucial for understanding hearing loss risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the risk of profound hearing loss and labyrinthitis ossificans associated with different meningitis pathogens.
  • To determine if Neisseria meningitidis or Streptococcus pneumoniae is more likely to cause severe hearing impairment.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of meningitis cases (1995-2005) and cochlear implant patients with meningitis-related hearing loss (1984-2005).
  • Comparison of etiological agents regarding their propensity to cause profound hearing loss and cochlear ossification.

Main Results:

  • Neisseria meningitidis caused 56.9% of meningitis cases but only 11.4% of hearing loss requiring cochlear implantation (0.4% incidence).
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae caused 41.1% of meningitis but 85.7% of cochlear implantations (4.6% incidence).
  • Labyrinthitis ossificans was more frequent with Streptococcus pneumoniae, though not statistically significant across all tested pathogens.

Conclusions:

  • Neisseria meningitidis meningitis is associated with a low risk of profound hearing loss.
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis presents a significantly higher risk of profound hearing loss and subsequent cochlear implantation.

More Related Videos

Cryosectioning and Immunostaining Mouse Inner Ear Tissue: From Embryonic to Adult Stages09:09

Cryosectioning and Immunostaining Mouse Inner Ear Tissue: From Embryonic to Adult Stages

Published on: April 11, 2025

High-Speed Human Temporal Bone Sectioning for the Assessment of COVID-19-Associated Middle Ear Pathology03:42

High-Speed Human Temporal Bone Sectioning for the Assessment of COVID-19-Associated Middle Ear Pathology

Published on: May 18, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...