Assessment of hearing in persons with learning disabilities: the Phoenix NHS Trust, January 1997 to September 1998

Abstract

People with learning disabilities are at increased risk of impaired hearing. The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence of hearing impairment and ear disease in people attending the specialist Otolaryngology/Hearing Therapy clinic at the Phoenix NHS Trust, Bristol. The present and future process of such a service was explored. Data were obtained from the referral form and notes made by the consultant otolaryngologist. In 20 months, there were 226 consultations, 188 of which were new referrals. The majority of patients had verbal communication to some extent. Suspected infection/inflammation and unobtainable/abnormal tympanograms, each accounted for 43 per cent of reasons for referral. Twenty per cent of patients were normal otologically. Eighteen per cent were provided with hearing aids and nine per cent required surgery. Ten patients underwent brainstem evoked response testing, half of whom had aidable hearing. Our results are comparable to published data of similar units. It is recommended that combined otolaryngology/specialist hearing therapy services are continued and further developed.

Hearing problems in the learning disability population: is anybody listening?

“…Smith et al . () were clear about the desirability of screening for this population when they said ‘All people with learning disabilities should be tested shortly after birth, then receive educational audiology input during schooling through screening mechanisms until leaving children's services. It appears that a large proportion of those with learning disabilities have an undiagnosed hearing loss when they enter adult services.…”