Objective: Meningitis is one of the most important causes of
sensorineural hearing loss in childhood. Because of the critical
situation of patients, proper attention is not usually paid to hearing
assessment in meningitis. By early detection and medical intervention
at proper time, the retadation of lingual development can be avoided.
Material & Methods: The hearing function of 40 children with
meningitis was evaluated at 24-72 hours after diagnosis (acute period)
and 24 hours before discharging from hospital (recovery period) with
auditory brainstem responses (ABR). All patients 7-14 days after
discharge underwent thorough investigation by detecting otoacoustic
emissions test (OAE). Findings: Using the ABR test, during the acute
period, 35 (87.5%) patients had normal hearing and in 5 (12.5%)
patients severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss was detected.
The same results were obtained during recovery period. OAE test showed
normal hearing in 37 (92.5%) patients and impaired cochlear function in
3 (7.5%) patients. Conclusion: Early detection of hearing loss in the
acute and recovery period of meningitis can be made by ABR and OAE
tests
