Prevalence of otitis media with effusion and severity of hearing loss in children 2-12 years with Down's syndrome in Hill Preparatory Naguru

Abstract

Introduction: Otitis media with effusion, is common in children with Down‟s syndrome.It causes conductive hearing loss, that affects their speech and language development .These could significantly hinder their psychosocial quality of life and academic potential. A high prevalence of otitis media with effusion (OME) in Down‟s syndrome of 31-79% has been reported worldwide. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of otitis media with effusion and severity of the associated hearing loss, in children (2-12)years with Down‟s Syndrome at Hill Preparatory school, Naguru, Kampala, Uganda. Methodology: It was a cross-sectional study, with the participants voluntarily selected from Hill Preparatory school, Naguru, Kampala. A Systematic random sampling method was used to recruit participants. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect personal data, clinical features of OME and hearing loss. Otoscopy, tympanometry, distraction test audiometry, play audiometry wereconducted on participants. Results: A high prevalence of OME at 43% among 42 children with Down‟s syndrome was recorded. Amongst the 18 children with OME, 28% had moderate hearing loss whereas 50% had mild hearing loss. Conclusions: A high prevalence of OME occurs in children with Down‟s syndrome. There is a strong association between OME and Hearing loss. Majority of children with Down‟s syndrome and OME, have a mild hearing loss.