Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026
Sound Source Localization Testing in Single-sided Deafness Following Bone Conduction Intervention
Published on: December 20, 2024
The role of bone anchored hearing aids in children with Down syndrome
Ann-Louise McDermott1, Jo Williams, Michael J Kuo
1Department of Otolaryngology, The Birmingham Children's Hospital, Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham B4 6NH, UK. annlouisemcdermott@msn.com
Insights
Bone Anchored Hearing Aids (Baha) offer significant audiological benefits for children with Down syndrome. This study found high patient satisfaction and improved quality of life with a low complication rate.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Audiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Children with Down syndrome often experience hearing loss, necessitating effective aural rehabilitation.
- Conventional hearing aids and ventilation tubes may not always be successful for this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the complication rates and outcomes of Bone Anchored Hearing Aids (Baha) in children with Down syndrome.
- To assess the patient-reported success of Baha as aural rehabilitation in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case analysis of 15 children with Down syndrome fitted with Baha.
- Postal questionnaires utilizing the Glasgow Children's Benefit Inventory (GCBI) to assess quality of life.
Main Results:
- All 15 patients used their Baha consistently, reporting audiological benefits after a 14-month follow-up.
- A 20% rate of skin complications was observed, with no fixture losses.
- Significant improvements in social and physical functioning were reported, indicating enhanced quality of life.
Conclusions:
- Baha is a valuable option for Down syndrome patients when conventional aids fail.
- Complication rates for Baha in children with Down syndrome are not significantly increased compared to general populations.
- High patient and carer satisfaction underscores the effectiveness of Baha in improving quality of life for children with Down syndrome.
Objectives:
To evaluate complication rates and outcomes of children with Down syndrome fitted with a Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (Baha). To evaluate whether the Bone Anchored Hearing Aid is a successful form of aural rehabilitation in children with Down syndrome from a patients' perspective.
Study Design:
Retrospective case analysis and postal questionnaire study.
Setting:
The Birmingham Children's Hospital, UK.
Methods:
A total of 15 children were fitted with a Baha between February 1992 and February 2007. The age range was 2-15 years. A postal questionnaire was sent to each family. The Glasgow Children's Benefit Inventory (GCBI) was used in this study.
Outcome Measures:
Implantation results, skin reactions and other complications were recorded. Quality of life after receiving a Baha was assessed with the GCBI.
Results:
All 15 patients are using their Baha 7 days a week for more than 8h a day after a follow-up of 14 months with continuing audiological benefit. No fixtures were lost, and skin problems were encountered in 3 (20%). Regarding quality of life, all 15 patients had improved social and physical functioning as a result of better hearing.
Conclusions:
Baha has an important role in the overall management of individuals with Down syndrome after conventional hearing aids and/or ventilation tubes have been considered or already failed. This study has shown a 20% rate of soft tissue reaction and there were no fixture losses in this group. No significant increase in complication rates was identified in children with Down syndrome. Finally, there was a significantly improved quality of life in children with Down syndrome after receiving their Baha. There was a high patient/carer satisfaction with Baha. Two of our series had bilateral two stage fixture procedures without any complications. More consideration should be given to bilateral bone anchored hearing aids in this group.
