Distortion products otoacoustic emissions in diagnosis of hearing loss in Down syndrome.

This study was carried out to investigate the features of hearing impairment in subjects with Down syndrome. Forty-seven children and 14 adults with Down syndrome were included in the study. In all cases, a complete otorhinolaryngological examination was performed, followed by audiological assessment. Depending on age, intellectual level and middle ear status the following examinations were performed: pure-tone 'play audiometry', tympanometry, acoustic reflex, auditory brain response (ABR) and distortion products otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE). The results were compared with age matched control groups. Among the group of children with Down syndrome, we have frequently found impairment of the conductive function of the middle ear which was expressed by pathological tympanometry. Tympanometry of B and C type was detected in 56% of ears. The amplitude of DPOAE was lower in children with Down syndrome than in the control group. This difference was more expressed in adults with Down syndrome. DPOAE examination results in subjects with Down syndrome without conductive hearing loss indicate early age related inner ear impairment.