Bacterial meningitis and sensorineural hearing loss: a prospective investigation.

The objectives of the present investigation are as follows: to prospectively assess the incidence of sensorineural hearing loss (SHL) associated with bacterial meningitis; to evaluate the onset and degree of SHL; and to describe the audiometric pattern. Forty-seven patients were studied otologically and audiologically. The incidence of SHL was 11%. Late onset of SHL was not observed, however, one patient demonstrated a probable progressive hearing loss. Both bilateral and unilateral hearing loss were noted. The degree of hearing loss varied from mild to profound, with no consistent audiometric pattern. Intensive follow-up on one hearing-impaired patient included temporal bone polytomograms. Obliterative labyrinthitis is detailed. Antibiotic treatment and laboratory data are evaluated. Suggestions are provided for the post-meningitic course.