"I think it impacts all areas of his life": Perspectives on hearing from mothers of individuals with Down syndrome.

BACKGROUND

Individuals with Down syndrome are known to have high rates of hearing loss, but it is unclear how this impacts their ability to communicate and function in real-world environments.

METHODS

Sixteen English-speaking and Spanish-speaking mothers of individuals with Down syndrome ages 6-40 years participated in individual, semi-structured interviews using a videoconferencing platform. Session transcripts were analysed using applied thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Mothers described listening environments, the impact of hearing on daily life, barriers to successful listening, and strategies to overcome communication barriers for their children with Down syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

Hearing was largely discussed in terms of challenges and detriments, suggesting that hearing experiences are predominately considered to negatively impact the functional abilities of individuals with Down syndrome. Background noise and hearing loss were sources of communication difficulties. Parent-reported barriers and strategies can inform ecologically valid research priorities aimed at improving outcomes for individuals with Down syndrome.