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Hearing loss in middle-age persons with Down syndrome
H M Evenhuis1, G A van Zanten, M P Brocaar
1Hooge Burch Institute for Mentally Retarded People, Zwammerdam, The Netherlands.
American Journal of Mental Retardation : AJMR
|July 1, 1992
Summary
Hearing loss is common in middle-aged adults with Down syndrome (DS). This study found significant hearing impairments in most participants, highlighting the need for audiological assessment to address potential cognitive decline.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Genetics
- Gerontology
Background:
- Down syndrome (DS) is associated with various health issues, including potential sensory impairments.
- Middle-aged and older adults with DS may experience cognitive and social changes.
- The impact of hearing function on overall well-being in this population is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the hearing function in institutionalized adults with Down syndrome.
- To determine the prevalence and degree of hearing loss in this demographic.
- To explore the relationship between hearing impairment and cognitive status in aging individuals with DS.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 35 institutionalized individuals with Down syndrome (age 35-62) underwent audiological assessments.
- Methods included otoscopy, impedance audiometry, brainstem evoked response audiometry (BERA), and pure tone audiometry (PTA).
- BERA was used to determine response thresholds in 59 ears, with results compared to PTA findings in 20 ears.
Main Results:
- Significant hearing loss, ranging from 20 dB to over 90 dB, was detected in 56 out of 59 assessed ears.
- Brainstem evoked response audiometry provided reliable hearing threshold data, correlating well with pure tone audiometry.
- A high prevalence of moderate to profound hearing impairment was observed in the study group.
Conclusions:
- Hearing loss is a prevalent condition among middle-aged and older adults with Down syndrome.
- Regular audiological screening is crucial for early detection and management of hearing impairments in this population.
- Addressing hearing loss may be a vital factor in mitigating social and cognitive deterioration in individuals with Down syndrome.