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Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Published on: January 25, 2016
Hearing alterations following meningitis. 1. Hearing improvement
Abstract:
In ten patients suffering from hearing loss following meningitis or meningoencephalitis, hearing recovery was observed. Eight of the cases had suffered from purulent meningitis, five cases had Haemophilus influenzae meningitis, 1 had coli meningitis, and 1 had meningococcal meningitis. In one case, the ethiologic agent remained unknown. Two other cases had suffered from viral meningoencephalitis. Postmeningitis hearing loss was observed in 19 ears. In eight ears, the hearing loss was profound, and in eleven, it was slight to moderate. Recovery of hearing occurred in 16 ears and was complete in eight ears and partial in eight ears. Approximately one-fourth of all patients with meningitis hearing loss do recover partially or completely in both ears or only in one ear.
Insights
Hearing loss from meningitis can improve. About a quarter of patients with meningitis-related hearing loss experience partial or complete recovery in one or both ears.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Meningitis and meningoencephalitis can lead to hearing loss.
- Hearing impairment is a significant complication of central nervous system infections.
Observation:
- This study observed hearing recovery in ten patients with hearing loss post-meningitis or meningoencephalitis.
- Hearing loss varied from slight to profound, affecting 19 ears in total.
Findings:
- Hearing recovery was noted in 16 out of 19 affected ears.
- Complete hearing recovery occurred in eight ears, with partial recovery in another eight.
- Approximately 25% of patients with meningitis-induced hearing loss showed some degree of auditory improvement.
Implications:
- These findings suggest that hearing loss associated with meningitis is not always permanent.
- There is potential for auditory rehabilitation and intervention in patients experiencing hearing deficits after CNS infections.
- Further research into the mechanisms of hearing recovery could inform treatment strategies.
Related Concept Videos
Bacterial Meningitis
Viral Meningitis
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

