There’s not a child on earth who doesn’t sometimes experience behavioral difficulties. However, some populations might be especially prone to these types of struggles. In fact, research shows that children with hearing loss are more likely to experience behavioral difficulties than children without. We review what the studies show below.
What the Study Shows
A study was published in the journal Otology & Neurotology in 2017 called “Assessment of Behavioral Problems in Children with Hearing Loss.” The purpose of the study was to compare the prevalence of disruptive behavior problems between preschool-aged children with hearing loss to those with normal hearing.
The study participants included children between the ages of two to five years old; 39 had normal hearing, 29 used hearing aids and 21 wore cochlear implants. The setting was a tertiary academic center.
For the study, researchers collected demographic information and obtained mental health histories. They also assessed child behavior and language development.
The study authors reported that, “Children with hearing loss have higher prevalence of and impairment from disruptive behaviors than their [normal hearing] peers.”
Why the Link?
There are a few possible reasons for this link between hearing loss and disruptive behaviors in children.
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders reports that 90% of deaf children are born to hearing parents. If parents aren’t prepared to accommodate their child’s hearing loss, it can cause frustration among both parties and lead to the child acting out.
In addition, children with hearing loss tend to develop speech-language skills at a slower rate than their normal-hearing peers. Trouble communicating in an age-appropriate way can also seem like a behavioral problem.
Other Signs of Hearing Loss
It’s important to watch out for the symptoms of hearing loss in children to seek appropriate interventions immediately. Besides behavioral problems, possible signs include:
- Trouble understanding what people are saying
- Responding to questions inappropriately
- Saying “huh” or “what” frequently
- Not responding to their name
- Turning up the TV volume very loud
- Speaking differently than other children their age
- Intently watching faces to lipread
- Performing poorly at St. Louis Public Schools
- Being flagged for a learning disability
For more information on hearing treatment options or to schedule an appointment with a hearing expert, call Center for Hearing & Speech today.
