Case Report: Early bilateral simultaneous cochlear implantation in a five-year-old following head injury complicated by acute bacterial meningitis

Abstract

Meningitis is an important cause of profound sensorineural hearing loss, especially in children. In this case, a five-year-old suffered a head injury complicated by bacterial meningitis and developed a profound hearing loss. Magnetic resonance imaging at four weeks following injury showed evidence of developing labyrinthitis ossificans and a decision was made to perform bilateral cochlear implantation at an early stage. This report outlines the progress of this interesting case to date and discusses the rationale for the decision to implant in this way.