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Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Published on: January 25, 2016
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Sensorineural hearing loss after neonatal meningitis: a single-centre retrospective study
Ankur Sharma1, James M Leaf2, Saumya Thomas1
1Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich, UK.
BMJ Paediatrics Open
|January 16, 2023
Summary
Neonatal intensive care unit infants with bacterial/fungal meningitis have a risk of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). While most survivors had normal hearing, two extremely preterm infants developed SNHL, possibly due to meningitis or ototoxic drugs.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Audiology
Background:
- Infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) face increased risks for serious infections like meningitis.
- Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a potential complication for infants with meningitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of SNHL in infants diagnosed with bacterial or fungal meningitis in a NICU.
- To investigate potential risk factors associated with SNHL in this vulnerable population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of NICU admissions from 2006 to 2021.
- Identification of infants with confirmed bacterial/fungal meningitis.
- Analysis of audiology outcomes for surviving infants.
Main Results:
- 16 confirmed meningitis cases were identified among 16,070 admissions.
- Of 10 surviving infants with audiology data, 8 had normal/satisfactory hearing.
- 2 of 10 infants with meningitis were diagnosed with SNHL; both were extremely preterm and received ototoxic antimicrobials.
Conclusions:
- Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a significant concern in NICU infants with meningitis.
- The exact cause of SNHL (meningitis vs. ototoxic treatment) requires further investigation in larger cohorts.
