Objective -The Down's syndrome children present important motor problems which affect static and dynamic balance. Equilibrium represents the capacity of keeping the body steady in standing position as well as the ability to perform usual dynamic tasks (walking, jumping and running) without falling. The objective of this paper is to present by comparison the postural control in Down syndrome subjects and non-disabled persons. Method -Five young Down syndrome subjects, aged 8 to 15 years old, and five normal age-matched subjects were included in the study. Static equilibrium was evaluated on a posturograph (Smart Balance from NEUROCOM) which has a force-plate. Equipment allows time and frequency domain analysis of the centre of pressure of the subjects. Subjects have to maintain upright position as steady as they can for 20 seconds, on the stabilised force-plate in two conditions -eyes closed and eyes open. Results -Analysis of the postural control revealed lower performance in maintaining the upright position from time domain point of view in Down syndrome group. Conclusion -Motor control problems are present in Down syndrome children since birth (hypotonia, low joint stability and joint hypermobility) and impede upon the development of motor control if early rehabilitation is not provided. This characteristic lasts for the whole life of the Down syndrome person.

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The present interactive research-action-training project, looking at the young cochlear-implanted subjects from a multidisciplinary holistic perspective, was based on the theory on psychosocial development of human beings, the attachment theory, language development theories and the concept of resilience. The integrative approach suggests two creative therapeutic styles (play- and dramatherapy) as means of intervention of neuro-dramatic play. The study starts from the hypothesis that creative therapies will help young children wearing cochlear implants at social integration in the peer groups of normal-hearing children and teenagers. This integrative approach will facilitate developement of teamwork abilities by improving their self-esteem and self-image. We included children and their families in an assisted resilience process with expert paticipation in the field of social and political development of Romanian non-guvernamental organisations. Material and method. The research-action-training project targets 3-18-year-old deaf children and teenagers wearing cochlear implants or hearing aids. The study considered a group of 72 deaf children and teenagers, as well as 49 normal-hearing subjects of similar ages, who were observed during the whole therapeutic program. Specific techniques were: painting, drawing, modelling, sand, miniatures, sensorial and corporal plays, role play, improvisation, body movement, music, dance, mimic and masks. The professional teams (psychologists, dramatherapists, educators, medical assistants, students at the school of play- and dramatherapy, film directors) who worked with and supervised these children and teenagers during the whole project (whose coordinator was helped by 12 volunteers) assured a secured and relaxed atmosphere, observing rules which did not restrict young subjects’ freedom of expression. Results. The positive results show the necessity to implement creative therapies during the auditory-verbal rehabilitation of the young deaf subjects. 42% (of the young subjects) improved their body movements, 27% acquired better projection strategies, 67% ameliorated their ability of interpreting a role, and 72% got pro-risk scores. The results are accompanied by significant images shot during the program activities. Conclusions. Parallelling the audio-verbal therapy, the play- and dramatherapy are important complementary remedial treatments in stimulating the means of expression and communication of children and teenagers wearing cochlear implants.

For individuals with conductive or mixed hearing loss, a bone conduction system can be a very effective treatment option. These systems bypass the outer and middle ear to send sound vibrations directly to the cochlea. This offers a natural sound quality for recipients. BONEBRIDGE is the first active, intact skin hearing implant for bone conduction stimulation, ideal for moderate to severe conduction hearing losses. It is a semi-implantable system, consisting of a surgical implantable part and an externally worn audio processor. Biomaterials used proved their safety, with very low rate of medical complications (skin infections, chronic suppurative otitis media, biofilm formation or extrusion).

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