Key points
- Having cochlear implants, a special hearing device, increases risk of certain types of bacterial meningitis.
- There are vaccines that help prevent bacterial meningitis.
- Meningitis is inflammation (swelling) of the lining of the brain and spinal cord.
- For best protection, people with cochlear implants should keep up to date with all recommended vaccinations.
Overview
Many bacteria can cause meningitis
The leading causes of bacterial meningitis in the United States include:
- Haemophilus influenzae (causes H. influenzae meningitis)
- Includes type b (Hib)
- Includes type b (Hib)
- Neisseria meningitidis (causes meningococcal meningitis)
- Streptococcus pneumoniae (causes pneumococcal meningitis)
Having cochlear implants increases risk for bacterial meningitis
People with cochlear implants are at increased risk for bacterial meningitis, especially pneumococcal meningitis. CDC and the Food and Drug Administration learned this from a 2002 study of children with cochlear implants.
Vaccines help prevent some types of bacterial meningitis
The table below summarizes types of bacterial meningitis and the vaccines available in the United States to help protect against each.
- Meningococcal vaccines (MenACWY, MenB, and MenABCWY vaccines)
- Pneumococcal vaccines (PCV15, PCV20, and PPSV23)
Important facts
CDC doesn't have any special vaccination recommendations for people with hearing loss.
People with hearing loss should receive vaccines recommended for people without hearing loss, based on age and other health conditions. They should discuss questions about possible ear abnormalities and risk for vaccine-preventable diseases with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor.
Recommendations
Pneumococcal vaccination
CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for children and adults with cochlear implants.
Children
Children younger than 5 years old with cochlear implants should receive the same pneumococcal vaccines as similarly aged children.
Children 2 through 18 years old with cochlear implants may need pneumococcal vaccines beyond those discussed above. CDC doesn't recommend more doses if at least one dose was PCV20. If none of those doses were PCV20, then CDC recommends one more dose (either PCV20 or PPSV23).
Children 6 through 18 years old with cochlear implants who've never received a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine should get vaccinated. CDC recommends either PCV15 or PCV20. If PCV15 is used, follow it with a dose of PPSV23 (unless received previously).
Adults
All adults with cochlear implants who've never received pneumococcal vaccines should receive 1 dose of PCV15 or PCV20. If PCV15 is used, it should be followed by 1 dose of PPSV23.
Adults who have previously received a pneumococcal vaccine should talk with their healthcare provider to see if they need additional doses.
Hib vaccination
CDC doesn't have any Hib vaccination recommendations specifically for people with cochlear implants. All children younger than 5 years old should receive Hib vaccines, including those with cochlear implants. Data don't suggest older children or adults with cochlear implants need Hib vaccination.
Meningococcal vaccination
CDC doesn't have any meningococcal vaccination recommendations specifically for people with cochlear implants. Data don't suggest that people with cochlear implants are at increased risk for meningococcal meningitis. However, CDC recommends meningococcal vaccination for all preteens and teens, including those with cochlear implants.
Common questions
Should I or my child get vaccinated before or after getting cochlear implant surgery?
People should get all recommended doses of pneumococcal vaccines at least 2 weeks before cochlear implant surgery. This will provide maximum protection both during and after surgery.
Anyone already up to date with pneumococcal, Hib, and meningococcal vaccinations doesn't need extra doses before surgery.
Is it safe to receive these vaccines?
The vaccines used to protect against bacterial meningitis are safe. When side effects occur, they are usually mild. Local reactions, such as a sore arm at the site of the injection, are common with some of the vaccines. Some people may also get a fever.
How well do the vaccines work to prevent meningitis?
Vaccines don't protect against all bacteria that cause meningitis. In addition, vaccines don't always protect against all types of any given bacteria. For example, pneumococcal vaccines protect against many, but not all, strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Also, people with weakened immune systems may not respond as well to vaccines. This may leave them at increased risk for getting meningitis.