Pneumococcal Vaccination for Cochlear Implant Recipients

CDC and the Food and Drug Administration, in collaboration with state health departments, are investigating the occurrence of bacterial meningitis among cochlear implant recipients (1,2). The implant, as a foreign body, and the design of the electrode are considered possible risk factors. Other potential risk factors for meningitis among cochlear implant recipients include a history of meningitis (a leading cause of sensorineural hearing loss), a history of recurrent otitis media, immunodeficiency, a pre-existing inner ear abnormality, and an occult cerebrospinal fluid leak.