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Published on: July 12, 2024
Contralateral implantation in children affected by postimplant meningitis
P Mancini1, M Viccaro, H Dincer
1Department of Sensory Organs, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy. p.mancini@uniroma1.it
Audiology & Neuro-Otology
|June 12, 2013
Summary
Postimplant meningitis (piM) can cause cochlear ossification, affecting hearing. Contralateral cochlear implantation is effective for restoring hearing performance in children experiencing hearing loss after piM.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Neurosurgery
- Pediatric Otology
Background:
- Postimplant meningitis (piM) is a rare but serious complication following cochlear implantation.
- Meningitis can lead to cochlear fibrosis and ossification, potentially compromising hearing outcomes.
- Understanding the progression and management of piM is crucial for pediatric cochlear implant recipients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the indications and benefits of contralateral cochlear implantation in children who developed postimplant meningitis.
- To analyze the impact of meningitis on cochlear structures and subsequent hearing performance.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of contralateral implantation in restoring hearing in affected children.
Main Methods:
- Case series of 5 children with postimplant meningitis.
- Speech perception assessment and most comfortable levels measurements.
- High-resolution computed tomography (CT) for monitoring cochlear fibrosis/ossification.
Main Results:
- Postimplant meningitis induced ipsilateral cochlear ossification in 3 children.
- One child developed delayed contralateral ossification.
- Contralateral implantation was performed in all cases due to hearing performance deterioration and proved effective with full electrode insertion.
Conclusions:
- Postimplant meningitis can lead to both ipsilateral and contralateral cochlear ossification.
- Meningitis-induced cochlear ossification appears more likely in normal cochlear structures.
- Contralateral cochlear implantation is an effective strategy for hearing restoration after postimplant meningitis, provided complete electrode insertion is achieved.
