Hearing Aid Danger – Cochlear Implants And Bacterial Meningitis

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration , has become aware of a possible association between cochlear implants and the occurrence of bacterial meningitis. The cause of meningitis in these cochlear implant recipients has not been established.

Some deaf patients may have congenital abnormalities of the cochlea (inner ear) which predispose them to meningitis even prior to implantation. Patients who become deaf as a result of meningitis are also at increased risk of subsequent episodes of meningitis compared to the general population. Other predisposing factors may include young age (< 5 years), otitis media, immunodeficiency, or surgical technique. The cochlear implant, because it is a foreign body, may act as a nidus for infection when patients have bacterial illnesses. Design of the electrode is also being considered as a possible predisposing factor.

“Over a period of 14 years, 52 cases of meningitis have been reported worldwide to Advanced Bionics Corporation and Cochlear Corporation. These have occurred in children and adults ranging in age from 21 months to 72 years who have undergone cochlear implantation for severe to profound deafness. A total of 12 known deaths have resulted from these cases. Two implant surgeons, Drs. Noel Cohen and Thomas Balkany, have recently surveyed cochlear implant centers and manufacturers in North America. They identified 22 cases (of the 52 worldwide cases) of meningitis. Nine cases were identified in patients with the Advanced Bionics CLARION device, 13 cases with the Cochlear Nucleus device, and no cases with the MED-EL Corporation device.”

Health Canada has issued a notice in response to the FDA’s announcement:

“Cochlear implant candidates, as well as those individuals who have already received the implant, may benefit from immunizations against organisms that commonly cause bacterial meningitis, particularly Streptococcus pneumoniae. All candidates for and recipients of cochlear implants should be up-to-date with their immunizations.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends the following:

Pneumococcal vaccines

Heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) be routinely given to all children 23 months of age starting at 2 months of age and to all children 24 to 59 months of age at high risk for invasive pneumococcal disease.

The 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines be given routinely to all adults 65 years of age and older and to persons aged 2 to 64 years at high risk for invasive pneumococcal disease.

Haemophilus vaccines

Haemophilus influenzae b conjugate vaccine be routinely given to infants starting at 2 months of age and to children up to 59 months of age.

Meningococcal vaccines

Meningococcal C conjugate vaccine be routinely given to infants starting at 2 months of age and be given to children 1 to 4 years, adolescents and adults.

Quadrivalent (A, C, Y, W135) meningococcal vaccine be given routinely to individuals > 2 years of age at high risk for invasive meningococcal disease.”

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About The Author:

Trent Offer is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.digital-hearing-aids-n-protection.com. Finding out more about hearing loss, so you can choose the digital hearing aids or therapy that is necessary.