Hearing and balance differences in Down syndrome

Multidimensional investigation of auditory dysfunction in Down syndrome

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER · NIH-11334283

This project looks at hearing and balance in people with Down syndrome using a wide set of hearing and vestibular tests.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11334283 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

You would be invited to join a group of about 300 people with Down syndrome to complete detailed hearing and balance testing. Tests include air and bone conduction audiometry, otoacoustic emissions, tympanometry and wideband acoustic immittance, auditory brainstem responses, and a battery of vestibular function measures. The team will also collect detailed medical histories with attention to other health conditions and past use of medicines that can affect hearing. Results will be used to understand why hearing loss is common in Down syndrome and to guide better care and supports.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Children and adults with Down syndrome who can attend testing visits and are willing to share their medical history are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People without Down syndrome, or those unable to tolerate testing procedures or travel to the study site, may not directly benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could enable earlier detection, more personalized treatments, and improved support for hearing and balance problems in people with Down syndrome.

How similar studies have performed: Smaller studies have shown high rates of hearing loss in Down syndrome, but this comprehensive, large-scale deep-phenotyping approach is relatively new.

Where this research is happening

Aurora, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Autoimmune Inner Ear disease

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.