1. Bacterial Meningitis and Cochlear Implants
Jordan Hoel,
Calvin Keyes,
Dustin Movinsky,
Erica Whitson

2. Cochlear Implants
Cochlear implants are a surgically implanted electronic device that provide a sense of sound to profoundly deaf or severely hard of hearing individuals.
Older versions
of cochlear
implants use
“positioners”.
Photo courtesy of “ “

3. Cochlear Implants
Positioners were used to facilitate electrical currents by holding the implant up against the wall of the cochlea.
These cochlear implants were discontinued after 2002, but were in manufacture between 1999 and July 2002.

4. Bacterial Meningitis
Meningitis is an inflammation of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Most cases of bacterial meningitis are caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.
While not specific to this strain of bacterium, the meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV4) can help lower the risk of infection.

5. Bacterial Meningitis
Symptoms of meningitis usually appear three to seven days after exposure.
Severe headaches, stiff neck muscles and fever are the most common symptoms but also nausea, sensitivity to light and vomiting have been reported.

6. Linking Bacterial Meningitis & Cochlear Implants
A 2004 Study, «Bacterial Meningitis Among Children With Cochlear Implants Beyond 24 Months After Implantation » found that the inclusion of a positioner increased the risk of contracting bacterial meningitis.

7. Linking Bacterial Meningitis & Cochlear Implants
The 2004 results were taken from a cohort of 4265 children, only 829 of which had positioners, as shown in the graphic below.
Photo courtesy of Pediatrics Journal.

8. Linking Bacterial Meningitis & Cochlear Implants
During the 2004 study only 12 new cases of bacterial meningitis were reported.
Of those 12, 11 had implants that included positioners.
Positioners do not cause meningitis, they simply increase the risk of infection.

9. Bibliography
Biernath, Krista, Reefhuis, Jennita, Whitney, Cynthia, Mann, Eric, & Costa, Pamela. (2006). Bacterial meningitis among children with cochlear implants beyond 24 months after implantation. Pediatrics, retrieved from “

10. Bibliography
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2009, June 29). CDC - Meningitis: Topic Home. Retrieved from