Auditory function after Haemophilus influenczae meningitis.

Eighty-three children, having recovered from Haemophilus influenzae meningitis, were examined with audiometrical tests. Fifteen of the children (18.1%) had significant hearing loss. Bilateral severe hearing loss was found in 3 patients. Three patients had severe hearing loss affecting one ear and slight or moderate hearing loss affecting the contralateral ear. Six children had entirely unilateral severe hearing loss. Bilateral or unilateral slight or moderate hearing loss was found in 3 patients. The remaining 68 patients had normal pure tone average. Half of these patients, however, showed minimal hearing impairment at the low and high frequencies.