Bacterial meningitis and sensorineural hearing loss: a prospective investigation.
The objectives of the present investigation are as follows: to prospectively assess the incidence of sensorineural hearing loss (SHL) associated with bacterial meningitis; to evaluate the onset and degree of SHL; and to describe the audiometric pattern. Forty-seven patients were studied otologically and audiologically. The incidence of SHL was 11%. Late onset of SHL was not observed, however, one patient demonstrated a probable progressive hearing loss. Both bilateral and unilateral hearing loss were noted. The degree of hearing loss varied from mild to profound, with no consistent audiometric pattern. Intensive follow-up on one hearing-impaired patient included temporal bone polytomograms. Obliterative labyrinthitis is detailed. Antibiotic treatment and laboratory data are evaluated. Suggestions are provided for the post-meningitic course.
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000150:complications*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005947:Glucose / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D006320:Hearing Tests; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008581:Meningitis / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000150:complications*; D008583:Meningitis, Haemophilus / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000150:complications; D011446:Prospective Studies
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D005947:Glucose