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Delayed deterioration of hearing following bacterial meningitis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

V. Jayarajan*
Affiliation:
Department of Audiological Medicine, The Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford, Surrey, UK.
S. Rangan
Affiliation:
Department of Audiological Medicine, The Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford, Surrey, UK.
*
Address for correspondence: Dr V. Jayarajan, Department of Audiological Medicine, The Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford, Surrey GU2 5XX. Fax: 01483 464108

Abstract

Bacterial meningitis is an important cause of acquired sensorineural deafness in childhood. Deafness following meningitis may be progressive. Previous reports have shown deterioration in hearing up to 12 years after the illness. We present two cases of sensorineural deafness following meningitis. Severe to profound sensorineural hearing losses were detected immediately after meningitis in these patients. The hearing subsequently deteriorated in both cases. Deterioration in hearing thresholds occurred 17 years after the illness in one case. In the other patient the hearing got progressively worse three years after meningitis. She subsequently required a cochlear implant.

Type
Clinical Records
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1999

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