The purpose of this study was to examine the audiological findings of a large sample (1242) of persons in Western Australia with an intellectual handicap, with the aim of developing a population profile for deafness which could be used to assist in the planning and provision of audiological services. Of those subjects who could have their hearing status diagnosed (948) 60.9% were found to have normal hearing, 23.4% a conductive deafness, 9.6% a sensorineural deafness and 6.2% a mixed deafness. The total prevalence of deafness for this population was found to be 39.1%. The degree of deafness and the effect of age were also examined as well as some comparisons with the general population. A discussion of these data in relation to service provision is presented.