Hearing Assessment in Neonates and Children Suffering from Meningitis in Mofid Hospital Using ABR Test

The object of the present study was to assess hearing in neonates and children suffering from meningitis using ABR test. There were 40 neonates and children (from birth to 12 years of age). Hearing of these cases was evaluated in two phases: 27-72 hours following the diagnosis and repeated 24-72 hours before discharge. During 24-72 hours following the diagnosis, ABR test revealed normal hearing in 35 patients(87.5%) and severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss(unilateral: 1, bilateral: 4) in 5 patients(12.5%)(girl=4 & boy=1, from 5-15 months). The same results were obtained in re-evaluation which was 24 hours before discharge. Therefore, it is concluded that hearing loss caused by meningitis (if present) is detectable in critical period. This problem which affected 12.5% of the patients in this study can be detected by using ABR test.