Perspectives on the Audiological Evaluation of Individuals with Down Syndrome

Marilyn F. Dille

doi:10.1055/s-2003-41219

Seminars in Hearing, Table of Contents

Semin Hear 2003; 24(3): 201-210
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-41219

Perspectives on the Audiological Evaluation of Individuals with Down Syndrome

Marilyn F. Dille

The University of Arizona, Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, Tucson, Arizona

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Patients with Down syndrome often present with a complicated history of otologic disease, hearing loss, slow speech and language development, and cognitive delay. As audiologists, we are called upon to coordinate audiological care in the context of a team that includes healthcare and educational professionals. Our recommendations need to acknowledge and reflect the uniqueness of this population among the many populations that we serve. This article reviews several unique features characteristic of this population including: (1) the complexity of the middle ear disease that often is chronic and intractable, (2) the strategies for effective testing and common findings across the lifespan, (3) interpretation of objective measures in light of the syndrome, and (4) the unique aging process that is characteristic to Down syndrome.

KEYWORDS

Down syndrome - developmental disability - pediatric audiology

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References

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