Introduction and objective:

Trisomy 21 is the most frequent chromosomal alteration and, because of the increase in life expectancy, requires more specialized care. Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) manifestations are a dominant focus of morbidity. Hearing problems are more common when compared to the rest of the population and can impact educational and social development, affecting their quality of life. The aim of this study was to analyze the results of the otological and auditory follow-up of children with Down syndrome (DS), evaluated in the ENT Department of the Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid (HCUV).

Method:

Prospective/retrospective longitudinal study of 83 children with DS who attended consultation for childhood hearing loss between 1993 and 2021.

Results:

We detected 66% of external ear malformations. Middle ear pathology was present in 93%. Hearing loss was found in 61%, being bilateral in 78%. Of those diagnosed, 87% were mild/moderate and 6% were profound. Mixed hearing loss was the most frequent type, followed by sensorineural hearing loss. ENT surgery was performed in 62%, with adenoidectomy being the most frequent.

Discussion:

ENT follow-up recommended for children with DS is a difficult task to organize, as it is necessary to develop specific planning to make it possible in our public health system.

Conclusions:

Given the frequency and important repercussions of hearing impairment in children with DS, early identification and indefinite follow-up is essential to try to promote their correct development.

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