Progressively Recovering Auditory Brainstem Response in a Cochlear-implanted Child After Meningitis: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Neuroscience
• Pediatric Otolaryngology

Background:

• Cochlear implants are crucial for hearing restoration in children.
• Meningitis can lead to hearing loss and compromise cochlear implant function.
• Assessing hearing recovery post-meningitis in pediatric cochlear implant users presents challenges.

Observation:

• An 8-year-old boy experienced hearing decline in his left cochlear implant following streptococcal meningitis.
• Initial audiological assessment revealed absent responses in the left cochlear implant's apical region and delayed responses in other areas.
• Subjective reports indicated poor hearing in the affected ear.

Findings:

• Electrically evoked auditory brainstem responses (EABRs) were initially absent or delayed in the left ear but normalized over 18 months.
• Wave latencies decreased, and required stimulus levels reduced significantly, indicating progressive hearing recovery.
• EABRs in the right ear remained normal throughout.

Implications:

• EABR is a valuable tool for monitoring hearing recovery in pediatric cochlear implant patients after meningitis.
• This technique provides objective data, especially useful for patients unable to provide reliable subjective feedback.
• Serial EABR assessments can guide management and confirm functional hearing restoration.