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Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Sensorineural Hearing Loss from Streptococcus pneumoniae Meningitis: A Case Report

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Sudden bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a rare but debilitating complication of bacterial meningitis, which is most commonly caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. While corticosteroids are a standard intervention to reduce inflammation and protect auditory function, adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) may offer additional benefit, particularly in steroid-refractory cases. We report the case of a 57-year-old woman who developed profound bilateral SNHL following S. pneumoniae meningitis originating from a lumbar epidural abscess. After initiating HBOT, she experienced significant subjective and audiometric improvement in hearing. This case emphasizes the importance of early recognition, multidisciplinary care, and the potential utility of HBOT in managing meningitis-related hearing loss.

Source: Avicenna Journal of Medicine

DOI: 10.1055/s-0046-1816556

Authors: Mohammed Abdalkarim, Merrick J. Harris, Summer M. Drees, Thaer Alhroob, Nahush Bansal

Institution: University of Toledo

Language: English

Topic: Vestibular and auditory disorders

Subfield: Neurology

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7130433295