Hearing tests in a residential unit for learning-disabled people

We report on the findings of a survey performed on the hearing and oral health of the residents of a unit for those with learning disabilities. The results indicate a number of significant findings, the most important of which is the very high prevalence of impacted wax (78% ). In addition, 9% of the subjects were found to need referral to an ENT surgeon due to lesions within the ear. During our investigations we were also able to uncover 24 (34%) previously unreported hearing losses, from mild to profound. The implications of these findings and others are discussed and recommendations made for those thinking of offering a similar service.