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Updated: Aug 14, 2025
Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Published on: January 25, 2016
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.
Abstract:
Babies in intensive care are at higher risk for meningitis and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). We reviewed the rate of SNHL among definite cases of bacterial/fungal meningitis in our neonatal intensive care unit over a 16-year period (2006-2021). We identified 16 confirmed meningitis cases among 16 070 admissions: 8 of 10 surviving infants with available diagnostic audiology had normal/satisfactory hearing while 2 of 10 had SNHL. Both infants with permanent hearing loss had been born extremely preterm and received potentially ototoxic antimicrobials. Larger studies are needed to clarify whether SNHL occurs mainly due to meningitis itself or to its antimicrobial drug treatment.
Insights
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.
