Objective: Study clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of cochlear implant patients diagnosed with bacterial meningitis.
Background: Cochlear implantation in children is necessary for the optimal development of speech in the developing child diagnosed with profound sensorineural hearing loss. Approximately 60,000 devices have been inserted in adults and children worldwide to date.
Setting: The Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology of a tertiary care children's hospital.
Methods: All patients undergoing cochlear implantation from April 1997 were identified. Patients diagnosed with bacterial meningitis after implantation were selected for study.
Results: Of 30 children, two developed bacterial meningitis after cochlear implantation. One patient developed Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis. One patient developed nontypable Haemophilus influenzae bacterial meningitis. Both patients made a complete recovery.
Conclusions: Prompt diagnosis and treatment of meningitis is essential to optimize outcome.