Related Experiment Videos
Audiological management in the recovery phase of bacterial meningitis
1Department of Speech and Hearing, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Australia.
Insights
Bacterial meningitis in children often causes fluctuating hearing loss due to conductive dysfunction. Sensorineural hearing loss affects 16.6% of ears, impacting audiological management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Audiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Bacterial meningitis is a serious infection in children.
- Hearing impairment is a known complication of meningitis.
- Early audiological assessment is crucial for management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess hearing outcomes in children with bacterial meningitis.
- To identify the types and prevalence of hearing dysfunction.
- To inform audiological management strategies.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study over 12 months in a children's hospital.
- Audiological assessment at 48 hours, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks post-admission.
- Utilized auditory brainstem evoked responses and tympanometry.
Main Results:
- Conductive dysfunction was a primary cause of fluctuating hearing loss.
- Sensorineural hearing loss was identified in 16.6% of tested ears at final assessment.
- Hearing loss patterns varied over the 12-week follow-up period.
Conclusions:
- Conductive dysfunction requires ongoing audiological monitoring in meningitis survivors.
- A significant incidence of sensorineural hearing loss necessitates tailored audiological rehabilitation.
- Findings highlight the importance of comprehensive audiological follow-up for pediatric meningitis patients.
Abstract:
During a specified 12-month period, a prospective study of all children admitted to a 139-bed city children's hospital with confirmed bacterial meningitis enabled assessment audiologically at 48 h, 6 weeks and 12 weeks post-admission using a test battery approach including auditory brainstem evoked responses and tympanometry. Results suggested conductive dysfunction to be a major cause of fluctuating hearing loss within the group. The incidence of sensori-neural loss was 16.6% of ears tested at final outcome. Results are discussed with reference to their implications for audiological management.