Characteristics of Down Syndrome Children with Delayed Speech and Hearing Loss in Audiology Clinic, Dr. Soetomo Surabaya Hospital

Abstract

Background: Down syndrome is a pathologyrelated to trisomy 21 chromosome. The incidence of Down syndrome is approximately 1/1000 births in some countries. The syndrome is commonly associated with the risks of developmental delays, difficulties in speech and hearing loss.Objectives: To determine the prevalence and characteristics ofchildren with Down syndrome suffered from delayed speech and hearing loss in Audiology Clinic, Dr. Soetomo Hospital, Surabaya from January 2013-December 2017.Method: This study is an observational analysis with cross-sectional retrospective design onthe patient's medical record.Results: Thirty patients were diagnosed with delayed speech amongst the Down syndrome children; 19 (63.3%) were males; 11(36.7%) were females. The most frequent was in the age group of >1-2 years[8 patients (26.7%)]; the least was in the age group of 4-6 months [1 patient (3.3%)]. Hearing loss was found in 21 patients (70%) and the rest had normal hearing [9 patients, (30%)]. Amongst the first group, 1 patient (3.3%) had profound hearing loss, 8 patients (26.7%) had severe hearing loss, 11 patients (36.7%) had moderate hearing loss and 1 patient (3.3%) had mild hearing loss. Two patients (6.7%) had prenatal problem, 2 patients (6.7%) had natal problem, 7 patients (23.3%) had post-natal problem. Amongst these, 1 patient (3,3%) had prenatal and natal problems, 5 patients (16,7%) had natal and post-natal problems, 1 patient (3,3%) had prenatal and post-natal problems, 3 patients (10%) had prenatal, natal and post-natal problems, and the rests had no recorded problems. Conclusion:Hearing loss was prevalent in Down Syndrome children with delayed speech. This might be correlated to the prenatal, natal, post-natal health risk problems. The hearing loss should be considered during treatment of speech delay in Down Syndrome children.