A review of hearing impairment due to bacterial meningitis in children: importance of early diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

This review underlines the significant role of early diagnosis and treatment of hearing impairment due to bacterial meningitis (BM) in children. BM is a life-threatening neurological condition mostly caused by <i>Streptococcus pneumoniae</i>, <i>Neisseria meningitides</i>, or <i>Haemophilus influenzae</i>. Hearing loss is the most commonly reported neurological complication of BM; inflammation can damage the inner ear, leading to sensorineural hearing loss or complete deafness. Factors favoring neurological complications, including hearing impairment, are low age, immaturity of the immune system, poor health, anaemia, leukocytosis, and hypoglycemia. To avoid serious complications, quick intervention is necessary – administration of antibiotic in combination with dexamethasone. It is also important to conduct regular audiological tests to monitor hearing, not only immediately after BM, but also in the long term. Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) and auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) are useful tools, and some researchers also recommend tympanometry. CTs and MRIs are important to visualize the condition of the inner ear after BM, paving the way for qualification for implantation and for pre-operative planning. The best results of implantation come from patients without ossification, whose period of deafness was short, where electrodes were inserted deeply, and who did not have neurological complications after BM. Early implantation is the best option as it promotes proper speech development and allows the child to adapt to their environment.