Sudden-onset deafness. Serodiagnosis of recent meningococcal infection.

An 8.5-year-old boy was evaluated 3 weeks after the occurrence of a febrile illness associated with sudden-onset deafness. An extensive diagnostic evaluation was largely unrewarding. However, unusual epidemiologic features of the case and cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities suggested meningococcal meningitis as the probable etiology. Serologic studies confirmed recent meningococcal infection. The potential etiologies of sudden acquired deafness are diverse, but a thorough evaluation is warranted and may be rewarding, even if it is initiated weeks after onset of deafness.