Cochlear Implantation Following Neonatal Meningitis: A Rare Case Report

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Pediatric Neurology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Bacterial meningitis in neonates frequently causes profound sensorineural hearing loss.
• Postinflammatory cochlear changes complicate auditory rehabilitation in affected infants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present two cases of early bilateral cochlear implantation in infants with post-meningitic hearing loss.
• To highlight the surgical and audiological outcomes in these challenging cases.

Main Methods:

• Two infants with bilateral profound hearing loss post-neonatal bacterial meningitis underwent cochlear implantation.
• Intraoperative findings of cochlear obstruction/ossification were managed with adapted surgical techniques.
• Full electrode insertion was achieved in both patients.

Main Results:

• Both infants demonstrated auditory benefit post-implantation.
• Cochlear obstruction/ossification was confirmed intraoperatively, necessitating specialized surgical management.
• Neurological comorbidities significantly influenced long-term developmental outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Early hearing assessment and audiological follow-up are vital for infants with bacterial meningitis.
• Prompt imaging and timely cochlear implantation are crucial for managing postmeningitic hearing loss.
• Adapted surgical techniques can achieve successful electrode insertion despite cochlear ossification.