Hearing disorder and cognitive function of individuals with Down syndrome.

The relationship between hearing disorder and performance on intelligence tests among 28 children and young adults with Down syndrome was investigated. Intellectual and audiological assessments were obtained and evaluated in a multiple regression analysis. Performance on intelligence tests by individuals with abnormal tympanograms was inferior to that of individuals with normal tympanograms. Hearing sensitivity measures were uncorrelated. Findings suggest the need for an awareness of the potential impact of middle ear disorder when assessing intellectual functioning and the importance of otological care for infants and young children with Down syndrome.