Hearing loss

After meningitis

• Hearing loss may not be immediately obvious after meningitis
  
• After bacterial meningitis, everyone should have a hearing test as soon as possible; preferably before leaving hospital or within four weeks of being well enough to test
• If a hearing test has not been carried out, contact your GP and they will arrange this
  
• All hearing losses are different and hearing tests may need to be repeated
  
• If you are experiencing hearing problems after viral meningitis, speak to your GP

In-depth information about hearing loss following meningitis

The Meningitis and Childhood Deafness booklet produced with the National Deaf Children’s Society provides information on the hearing tests that are carried out following meningitis, the effects of any deafness, what can be done to help and the support that is available. This information may also be helpful to school teachers who have children with deafness following meningitis in their class. 

Hearing loss and tinnitus

Balance problems

Sensory effects of ABI

We can help

Hearing loss can cause major changes in lifestyle for the individual, family, school etc. For support and information, please contact us as there may be ways we can help you. 

Other organisations that can help

The National Deaf Children's Society

Support for deaf children and campaigns to remove the barriers to achievement for deaf children throughout the world.

http://www.ndcs.org.uk

Auditory Verbal UK

Auditory Verbal UK is a national charity, which teaches deaf babies and children to listen and speak, so that they can achieve their full potential in life.

http://www.avuk.org/ 

The Elizabeth Foundation

Support for infants and pre-school-aged children and their families with hearing loss. It is the Elizabeth Foundation's belief that it is the right of every deaf child to be given the opportunity to learn to listen and talk.

http://www.elizabeth-foundation.org

Hearing Link

The UK hearing loss organisation makes it easy to find the right information, services and support. It is for people with any level of hearing loss and their families. 

http://www.hearinglink.org

Action on Hearing Loss

(Previously the Royal National Institute for the Deaf). Support for people with hearing loss and tinnitus. 

http://www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk

Affected by hearing loss after meningitis?

We can help. Call our Meningitis Helpline on 0808 80 10 388 or email helpline@meningitisnow.org to speak to our experienced staff. 

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