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Background This pilot study aimed to explore the impact of visual, auditory and vestibular dysfunctions on the postural balance performance in adults with intellectual disabilities. Additionally, a comparison was made between the subjects with intellectual disabilities and a control group concerning static and dynamic balance tasks. Method Thirty adults with intellectual disabilities and 25 control subjects received a postural balance assessment. Additionally, the experimental group was subjected to a visual, auditory and vestibular screening. Results The experimental group performed significantly worse and/or showed more sway compared to the control group for all balance tasks (p < .01) except the timed up and go test. Within the experimental group, a significant positive correlation (rs(24) = 0.513, p = .007) was observed between the number of failed sensory screening items and the number of failed balance tasks. Conclusions These findings suggest significant involvement of peripheral sensorial deficits in the balance problems that people with intellectual disabilities often experience.

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Intellectual disability (ID) and hearing loss are frequent comorbid conditions, although otological problems often go unnoticed until picked up by screening. In the hearing program of Special Olympics (SO), athletes with ID are screened for otological problems. By retrospective analysis of all SO meetings between 2007 and 2017, more than 100,000 screenings could be included. Cerumen impaction was found in 40.7%, middle ear problems in 29.5% of those who failed hearing screening, and hearing loss confirmation in 26.9%. Prevalences for different world regions and country income groups are provided. The results emphasize the high prevalence of hearing loss in this ID population. Awareness among health care workers and active screening are required to reduce health disparities among this disadvantaged population.

Background Undetected ear and hearing problems negatively impact the quality of life of people with intellectual disability. Methods This multicentre retrospective study describes the outcome of 10 years of ear and hearing screening in athletes with intellectual disability in seven European countries. The screening was conducted by a trained team using a strictly standardised protocol. Results Of 15,363 screened athletes with intellectual disability, more than half (58.7%) needed referral for ear and/or hearing problems, ranging from 51.7% (<20 years old) to 81.4% (≥60 years old). The most commonly detected conditions were excessive/impacted earwax (40.3%), middle ear problems (30.1%) and hearing loss (27.0%), with significant differences between age groups and countries. Discussion This study demonstrates an increased risk of ear and hearing problems in people with intellectual disability as compared to the general population. Considering the unawareness and impact of these problems, it is highly recommended to organise systematic screening. Follow‐up for diagnostic elaboration, therapeutic management and long‐term guidance should be provided.