![]() ![]() Many inherited hearing problems can be corrected. The AAP recommends that babies with Down syndrome be screened for hearing loss at birth and have regular follow-up hearing exams. Sometimes the hearing loss is related to structural problems with the ear. Up to three-quarters of children with Down syndrome have some hearing loss. The AAP recommends that infants with Down syndrome be examined by a pediatric eye specialist during the newborn period, and then have vision exams regularly as recommended. Glasses, surgery, or other treatments usually improve vision. Other eye problems that are more likely in children with Down syndrome are near-sightedness, "crossed" eyes, and rapid, involuntary eye movements. ![]() More than half of children with Down syndrome have vision problems, including cataracts (clouding of the eye lens) that may be present at birth. ![]() Some heart defects are minor and may be treated with medication, but others require immediate surgery. Sometimes, the heart defect can be detected before birth, but testing after birth is more accurate. For this reason, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Committee on Genetics recommends infants with Down syndrome receive an echocardiogram (a sound "picture" of the heart) and an evaluation from a pediatric cardiologist. CHD can lead to high blood pressure in the lungs, an inability of the heart to effectively and efficiently pump blood, and cyanosis (blue-tinted skin caused by reduced oxygen in the blood). Almost one-half of babies with Down syndrome have congenital heart disease (CHD), the most common type of birth defect. Some of the conditions that occur more often among children with Down syndrome include: Many of these associated conditions can be treated with medication, surgery, or other interventions. However, each individual with Down syndrome is different, and not every person will have serious health problems. In addition to intellectual and developmental disabilities, children with Down syndrome are at an increased risk for certain health problems. ![]()
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