Good hearing outcome in children recovering from non‐polio enteroviral meningitis

Aim Evaluation of hearing outcome in children following non‐polio enteroviral meningitis (EVM). Methods We reviewed hearing outcome of children, aged ≤15 years, with EVM managed at our institution over a 4‐year period from July 2008 to July 2011 and January–December 2015. Children with concomitant bacterial infections, and those who required intensive care, or with a prior history of hearing impairment or immunodeficiency were excluded. Data on demographics, medical history, presentation and outcome of hearing screen were collected. The children attended post‐meningitis review and hearing screen utilising transient‐evoked otoacoustic emission testing at 8–10 weeks. Children who failed the transient‐evoked otoacoustic emission testing and those with caregiver concerns were referred to otolaryngology for comprehensive audiologic evaluation. Results The study cohort consisted of 179 children, aged from 3 days to 15 years, of whom 158 (89%) were younger than 90 days of age. Eleven were preterm infants. A total of 158 children had received intravenous gentamicin at 5–7.5 mg/kg/day for a median duration of 2 days. All 179 study participants were found to have good hearing post EVM. Conclusion Hearing outcome in children recovering from EVM is good.