Progressive hearing loss following Haemophilus influenzae meningitis

Abstract

Loss of hearing is a sequelae of meningitis. This hearing loss has been known to fluctuate for as long as one year following the acute infection. This paper presents a case of an 11-year documented downward fluctuating hearing loss following Haemophilus influenzae meningitis. The case indicates that patients should be followed audiologically for years following meningitis. A review of the literature of hearing loss in meningitis is presented with special emphasis on cases in which the hearing loss fluctuated. The cases in the literature were usually not followed for more than one year. In this case of acquired hearing loss secondary to Haemophilus influenzae meningitis, the patient's hearing fluctuated over 11 years, in a downward progression. It is not clear what type of mechanism is involved in the ongoing damage to the cochlea that could account for this gradual fluctuation. It is suggested that as the possibility of long-term fluctuation exists, patients with meningitis should be monitored audiologically for many years.