[Reversible hearing impairment after meningococcal meningitis]

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Infectious Diseases
• Audiology

Background:

• Meningococcal meningitis is a severe bacterial infection with potential neurological sequelae.
• Hearing impairment is a known, though often underdiagnosed, complication of meningitis.

Observation:

• This case report details a patient experiencing partial and fluctuating cochlear hearing loss.
• The hearing loss persisted for one year following the acute phase of meningococcal meningitis.

Findings:

• Cochlear hearing loss can be a long-term consequence of meningococcal meningitis.
• The fluctuating nature of the hearing loss highlights the dynamic impact on auditory function.

Implications:

• Routine and repeated audiometry is recommended for all patients after recovery from meningococcal meningitis.
• Early detection of hearing loss can inform timely intervention and management strategies.
• This case underscores the importance of comprehensive audiological monitoring in post-meningitis care.