Approximately what proportion of children with Down syndrome have moderate hearing loss?

• A. 20-40%
• B. 60-80%
• C. 0-20%
• D. 80-100%

Answer: (B)

Hearing loss is very common in children with Down syndrome because structural and functional differences in the ears and Eustachian tube lead to frequent middle-ear problems, especially otitis media with effusion, which typically causes conductive hearing loss. Because this pattern recurs across many children with Down syndrome, a large proportion experience some degree of hearing loss, and moderate severity is a frequent finding. The best estimate among widely cited data is that roughly 60-80% of these children have moderate hearing loss at some point, making this range the most accurate choice. This underscores the need for regular audiologic screening and prompt management of middle-ear disease to support speech and language development.