Hearing and vision problems

Compared with the general population, people with Down syndrome have an increased risk of hearing and vision impairments at birth and throughout life.

Check hearing and vision annually for people with Down syndrome as part of a comprehensive health assessment in general practice.

Refer infants with Down syndrome for auditory brainstem evoked response testing and ophthalmological examination at 0 to 6 months.

Refer children with Down syndrome for audiology assessment and ophthalmological examination:

• annually from 1 to 5 years
• every 2 years from age 5
• any time parents or carers raise concern about vision or hearing loss.

Refer adults with Down syndrome for:

• audiology assessment every 2 years, and any time concerns are reported or identified during their annual health assessment
• ophthalmological assessment every 2 years, and vision testing any time concerns are reported or identified during their annual health assessment.

For strategies for optimising hearing and vision in people with developmental disability, see here.