Other Important Considerations

Meningitis is an infection of the lining of the brain that is more common in hearing impaired children than in normal-hearing children. Receiving a cochlear implant may add further risk. Recent cases of meningitis were associated with one type of cochlear implant and that was removed from the market. The risk of meningitis in deaf children with cochlear implants is about one-half of 1%. Even though this is low, it will become much lower by following the recommendations of the CDC, FDA, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

1. All children should receive appropriate vaccinations (especially for pneumococcus and H. influenza.) This is especially true for hearing impaired children and even more so for those with cochlear implants.
2. Bacterial infections, especially ear infections, should be treated aggressively with antibiotics.
3. Families should be alert and recognize the signs and symptoms of possible meningitis: headache, fever, stiff neck, lethargy, nausea and pain behind the eyes caused by bright light. When in doubt, see your doctor.
   

Article on behalf of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery

Article from the Audiology Online Website (2002)

Editorial published in Otology and Neurotology 2002

FDA and CDC recommendations for vaccination

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