Study on Conductive Hearing Loss in Children with Down Syndrome
Dilpreet Bajwa1, Divya Gupta2, J C Passey3
1Department of ENT, Artemis Hospital, Gurugram, Haryana India.
Insights
Conductive hearing loss affects 72% of Indian children with Down syndrome (DS), often due to impacted earwax or eardrum issues. Early audiological evaluations and interventions significantly improve hearing in these children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Genetics
- Audiology
Background:
- Down syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal disorder, leading to intellectual disability.
- Children with DS have a higher risk of hearing loss, impacting development.
- Conductive hearing loss is a prevalent issue in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and characteristics of conductive hearing loss in Indian children with DS.
- To assess common ear abnormalities associated with DS.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of interventions for hearing loss in DS.
Main Methods:
- Fifty children with DS (age 2-18) underwent otolaryngological and audiological assessments.
- Evaluations included pure tone audiometry (PTA), impedance audiometry, and BERA.
- Interventions like wax removal and tympanostomy tube placement were performed, with follow-up assessments.
Main Results:
- Conductive hearing loss was identified in 72% of participants.
- Impacted cerumen (66%) and tympanic membrane retraction (34%) were common findings.
- Post-intervention, significant improvements in hearing thresholds were observed.
Conclusions:
- There is a high prevalence of conductive hearing loss and ear abnormalities in Indian children with DS.
- Regular audiological evaluations are crucial for early detection.
- Timely interventions can enhance educational outcomes and quality of life for children with DS.
Abstract:
Down syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal disorder and a significant cause of intellectual disability, with children at increased risk for hearing loss. This study investigates the prevalence and characteristics of conductive hearing loss in Indian children with DS. Fifty children with karyotypically confirmed DS, aged 2 to 18 years, were examined at a tertiary care hospital. Otolaryngological assessments included evaluations of the external ear and tympanic membrane. Audiometric evaluations involved pure tone audiometry (PTA), impedance audiometry, and brainstem evoked response audiometry (BERA). Interventions like wax removal and tympanostomy tube placement were performed as needed, with follow-ups after three months. Conductive hearing loss was found in 72% of participants. Common issues included impacted cerumen (66%) and tympanic membrane retraction (34%). Sixteen patients received wax removal, and 7 of 17 with serous otitis media underwent tympanostomy tube placement. Significant improvements in hearing thresholds were observed post-intervention. The high prevalence of conductive hearing loss and ear abnormalities in children with DS highlights the need for regular audiological evaluations and timely interventions to enhance educational outcomes and quality of life.
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