One hundred and fifty-five children with childhood deafness were examined over a period of 4 years in order to assess the aetiology of hearing disorder. In 21 (13%) children, deafness was a sequel of meningitis. Perinatal pathology accounted for 34 (22%) cases. The aetiology of deafness was unknown in 44 (28.4%) children. The percentage of unknown causes can be reduced if the deafness is detected early. Hearing loss was diagnosed only in 30 (19%) children by the age of 2 years. The early detection of deafness can be achieved by screening the high risk infants and educating the general practitioners and health assistants.
Cerebral involvement associated with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is rare. It is not influenced by treatment and the presentation can be varied. We describe a case of cerebral infarction secondary to vasculitis in a child with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.