Hearing loss in Down Syndrome revisited – 15 years later

ObjectiveIn 2001, the senior authors published a study investigating hearing loss in young children (ages 11 months to 3.8 years) with Down Syndrome (DS). We re-visit this same study population to review current audiologic status, the incidence of pressure equalization tube (PET) placement(s), and rate of tympanic membrane (TM) perforations. We aim to better understand the natural history of ear disease and hearing loss in DS and assess potential complications.MethodsThis retrospective chart review included 57 children with DS who previously completed in 2006, a 5 year, longitudinal study investigating otolaryngologic problems in DS. Updated audiologic data was available for 54. Audiograms, age of ear specific testing, PET placement(s), and tympanic membrane(TM) descriptions were reviewed.ResultsAges ranged from 14 to 18 years (mean 16.34 years). PET placement occurred in 88.8%, with mean of 3.5 procedures. 30% of PET's were placed after age 6. Ear specific testing was obtained in 92.5% (mean age 4.54 years). Normal hearing was present in 44% (right ear) and 38% (left ear). “Functional” hearing levels, defined as normal or mild hearing loss and speech reception threshold ≤ 30 dB, occurred in 83.3%. Sensorineural/mixed hearing loss was present in 11% (right ear) and 9% (left ear). TM perforations rate was 17%. No cholesteatomas were found.ConclusionChronic otitis media and indications for PET's persist as children with DS age. Although functional hearing occurred in 83.3%, there was an overall decrease in hearing levels as the children aged. Tympanic membrane perforations occurred in 17%. Continued surveillance of otologic and audiologic status in patients with Down syndrome is recommended.