Evaluation of Cochlear Function in Neonats and Children Suffering from Meningitis by Evoked Otoacoustic Emission test

Objective: Evaluation of cochlear function in neonates and children suffering from meningitis according to EOAE results. Matherials & Methods: In this study 40 children and neonates suffering from meningitis ranging from one day to 12 years old were evaluated with EOAE (DP-OAE &TE- OAE) during 7 to14 day after discharge from hospital Results: From our 40 patients, normal cochlear function was observed in35, bilateral abnormal cochlear function in4 and unilateral abnormal cochlear function in 1. In these 5 cases (12.5% of our patients), detected by EOAE tests, sensorineural hearing loss was seen. This result was confirmed by ABR test in hospital. Conclusion: Abnormal cochlear function and sensorineural hearing loss as a complication of meningitis (if present) can be detected in early stages by the EOAE tests