10 Symptoms of Meningitis
Reviewed: Dr. Mera
Symptom #10: Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is not strictly a meningitis symptom but a complication. It may occur when the disease is not treated, or treatment starts late. Hearing loss is most strongly linked to bacterial meningitis. Nerves that run between the ear and the brain can be damaged by the inflammation. If the swelling affects the inner ear, the cochlea can be damaged directly.
It is estimated that 30% of bacterial meningitis cases result in mild to severe hearing loss. In case of a child, the hearing loss may be accompanied by learning difficulties. Therefore, it is vital for patients who had bacterial meningitis to verify with a specialist that their hearing was not affected.
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