I am a member of a couple of yahoo groups that deal with the subject of cochlear implants and there was one such posting about a seven year old girl who died of Meningitis which may have been caused by her cochlear implant. Click here for the article. This judgment, I believe, is based on scientific studies that conclude there is a greater risk for those who wear cochlear implants with a certain type of internal device part. That part is no longer in production but nevertheless, they decided the risk still exists for those who wear cochlear implants. To me, that is no different than the risk of cancer one gets for being around others who smoke. Anyway, both the FDA and CDC recommend vaccinations.
When I was reviewing my options at Buffalo Hearing and Speech, the audiologist explained very clearly there was a risk of Meningitis and recommended I get vaccinated; and my surgeon also. Now some hospitals/surgical centers may require the vaccination, others don’t. Unfortunately, mine didn’t but I went for it anyway. Whether the hospital/surgical center should require the vaccination is not my call but I would certain recommend revisiting that policy. For anyone who is reading this and considering a cochlear implant, I highly recommend you consider the vaccination whether or not your doctor or hospital/surgical center recommends one.
Tomorrow is the first post-surgery testing and another mapping session. It will be interesting to see what the results are….
In this region(central California), the vaccination against meningitis is only available through the County Health Department. I was a little concerned that it would be crowded at that clinic, but they gave me an appointment and I was vaccinated within 30 minutes. You didn’t warn me that the vaccination would set me back $100. I was also surprised that the clinic won’t give the meningitis vaccination during the first month post surgery. It’s been 28 days for me, so I barely met that criteria. I’m guessing that it’s best to get vaccinated prior to surgery.
I’m considering an implant & have just logged on for the first time. I am astounded at all the information available on all aspects but this personal type stuff is especially valuable to me – to read about others & what they’ve experienced.