FDA public health notification: Cochlear implant recipients at greater risk for meningitis

Updated October 4, 2002
The Food and Drug Administration has become aware of a possible association between cochlear implants and the occurrence of bacterial meningitis. Worldwide, the agency knows of 91 reports of meningitis in patients implanted with the three FDA-approved cochlear implant devices: Advanced Bionics Corporation devices (56 cases), Cochlear Limited devices (33 cases) and MED-EL Corporation devices (2 case). Seventeen deaths have resulted from these meningitis cases.

http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/safety/cochlear.html