Dutch Cochlear Implant Group (CI-ON) Consensus Protocol on Postmeningitis Hearing Evaluation and Treatment
Otology & Neurotology
Merkus, P., Free, R. H., et al. (2010).
Otology & Neurotology, 31(8), 1281-1286.
This guideline provides recommendations for the assessment, monitoring, and management of hearing loss secondary to meningitis. The target audience of this guideline is physicians and audiologists.
Cochlear Implant Overleg Nederland (The Netherlands)
Prior to discharge, otoacoustic emissions (OAE) should be performed. In cases of an absent OAE, referral should be made to an audiologist. Within two weeks of the initial OAE, tone and speech audiograms should be performed. Referral should be made for MRI and additional audiological assessment in cases of hearing thresholds 30 dB or higher, and further treatment options should be considered.
Post meningitis treatment, children should receive an otoacoustic emissions (OAE) examination. Auditory brainstem response (ABR) should be performed within 2 weeks after initial OAE. Follow-up should continue with OAE screening (at a minimum) at 1, 2, 6, and 12 months post first hearing test. In case of sensorineural hearing loss progression, further treatment options, including cochlear implants, should be considered.
