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

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