Hearing
Hearing loss is the most common after-effect of meningitis. Difficulties can range from mild hearing loss through to profound deafness in one or both ears. Damage to the inner ear can also result in balance problems and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

It is important that anyone who has had meningitis has a hearing test soon after their illness. If you have not had a hearing test, contact your GP and they will arrange this.

Sight
Meningitis can damage the nerve responsible for sight (optic nerve), resulting in partial loss of vision or blindness in one or both eyes. Many people experience eyesight difficulties due to the optic nerve swelling after their illness. Often, however, this improves over time.

For further information call our 24-hour freephone nurse-led helpline on
(UK) 0800 028 18 28 or (Ireland) 1800 523 196.