Hearing loss and treatment in young Down's syndrome children

Abstract

Home-reared Down''s syndrome children (24) aged 9-32 mo. were assessed by trained audiologists on 3 separate occasions (summer, autumn and spring 1977-1978). Distraction test procedures were used; all failed to pass the screening test, and 80-85% registered as having moderate to profound losses; 75% were categorized as having a conductive loss, and some improvements were found over the test sessions as a result of surgical and decongestant treatment. Of the infants, about 50% were passed on similar screening procedures by the local health services. Results are discussed in relation to language development and service needs.