Hearing
Overview
- Hearing loss is extremely common in Down syndrome
- Poor hearing can have a major impact on development of language, behaviour and social functioning
- It is essential that all people with Down syndrome have regular screening for hearing loss
- Conductive hearing loss, due to glue ear is most frequently encountered in children but may persist into adulthood
- Age related hearing loss is more common in those with Down syndrome , and occurs more frequently and at a younger age than in the general population
- Hearing aids can be very effectively used by children and adults with Down syndrome
- Grommets may play a part in management of glue ear in Down syndrome , but benefit may be short-lived
Last update June 2024
Dr Liz Marder
DSMIG Guidance
Best Practice Guidance For The Management Of Hearing Issues In People With Down Syndrome
DSMIG guidance
Last updated: June 2017
Presentations at DSMIG Meetings
Materials from meetings are available for members only who need to log in to access them. For details on how to become a member click here.
Additional Resources
Otitis media with effusion in under 12s
NICE guideline Published: 30 August 2023
Early hearing loss and language abilities in children with Down syndrome.Laws G, Hall A. Int J Lang Commun Disord. 2014 Mar 21. doi: 10.1111/1460-6984.12077
Book Chapter – Hearing Issues
Emma McNeill, Patrick Sheehan and Liz Marder
in
Down Syndrome Current Perspectives
Edited by Richard Newton , Shiela Puri and Liz Marder