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Reversible hearing loss following cryptococcal meningitis: case study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 May 2016

W L Neo ,
N Durisala  and
E C Ho
W L Neo*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
N Durisala
Affiliation:
Department of Audiology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
E C Ho
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Wei Li Neo, Blk 22 Queen's Close #17–157, Singapore 140022 E-mail: weili.neo@mohh.com.sg
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Abstract

Background:

Sensorineural hearing loss is a recognised complication of cryptococcal meningitis. The mechanism of hearing loss in patients with cryptococcal meningitis is different from that in bacterial meningitis.

Case report:

An immune-competent man with cryptococcal meningitis presented with sudden onset, bilateral, severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction. He was initially evaluated for cochlear implantation. However, he had a significant recovery; he no longer required surgery and was able to cope without a hearing aid.

Conclusion:

Typically, cochlear implantation is performed with some urgency in patients with hearing loss post-bacterial meningitis, because of the risk of labyrinthitis ossificans. However, this process has not been described in patients with cryptococcal meningitis. Furthermore, patients with hearing loss associated with cryptococcal meningitis have shown varying degrees of reversibility. In this case report, hearing loss from cryptococcal meningitis is compared with that from bacterial meningitis, and the need for cochlear implantation in patients with cryptococcal meningitis is discussed.

Keywords

Cryptococcus NeoformansEvoked Potentials, AuditoryHearing Loss, CentralHearing Loss, SensorineuralMeningitis, CryptococcalOtoacoustic Emissions, SpontaneousDrug EffectsHumansMaleCochlear Implantation
Type
Clinical Record
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 130 , Issue 7 , July 2016 , pp. 691 - 695
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2016 

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Footnotes

Presented at the 30th Politzer Society Meeting and 1st World Congress of Otology, 30 June – 3 July 2015, Niigata, Japan.

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