Hearing is an important sense and has effects on how we live, learn and develop from an early age. This means it is important that any hearing loss that may be present, needs to be picked up and corrected immediately to optimise child development. (1)
Hearing loss is more common in people with Down’s Syndrome. This is due to their immune systems being weaker and their ears are structurally different to someone who does not have Down’s syndrome. These can lead to various complications for their hearing. The range of severity can vary from being very mild and short term, to very severe and long-term hearing difficulties. (1)
There are two types of hearing loss which are common. They are Conductive hearing loss and Sensorineural hearing loss.
Conductive hearing loss is very common in children with Down’s syndrome. It is cause by fluid or earwax which has accumulated behind the eardrum, which makes it difficult for sound particles in the air to pass through to the eardrum, resulting in temporary hearing loss. (1) For this, hearing aids and antibiotic drops can be remedies. If it persists, a surgical procedure where a small tube called a grommet is inserted in the middle ear to prevent fluid or wax accumulation through circulating air. This is called Grommet Surgery. (2)
Sensorineural hearing loss is when the nerve within the ear has become damaged or has been damaged since birth and leads to hearing loss which is permanent. (1)
From a study carried out on 47 babies aged 2-3 ½ months old,
Children with Down’s Syndrome can also be more sensitive to noise in general. This is called hyperacusis. It is recommended that sensitivity to noise is talked about with the audiologist, especially if it is causing the child distress and discomfort. (2)
Screening for hearing loss is carried out on a new born baby. It is recommended that a child before starting school visits the audiologist once a year and then 2 years thereafter. (1)
Deaf Child with Down’s Syndrome – National Deaf Children’s Society, (2017) (3)
References:
- Down’s Syndrome Association. (2017). For Families and Carers: Hearing Loss.Available: https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/for-families-and-carers/health-and-well-being/hearing-loss/?gclid=CjwKCAiAvMPRBRBIEiwABuO6qbu1f3h3pXbsXCoGa9GlOT75g1MH0vovpk4oaC46FgWKoeQpSPVzwxoCh3wQAvD_BwE. Last accessed 13th December 2017.
- National Deaf Children’s Society. (2017). Down’s syndrome and childhood deafness.Available: http://www.ndcs.org.uk/family_support/childhood_deafness/causes_of_deafness/downs_syndrome.html. Last accessed 13th December 2017.
- National Deaf Children’s Society, (2017), Boy with Down’s syndrome outside playing.[ONLINE]. Available at: https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjogvfkgIjYAhUmDMAKHYIDCaMQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ndcs.org.uk%2Ffamily_support%2Fchildhood_deafness%2Fcauses_of_deafness%2Fdowns_syndrome.html&psig=AOvVaw36nIq_ICOQXScWevMYC5mS&ust=1513289248951432[Accessed 13 December 2017]
Down Syndrome Awareness 