The link between hearing health and mental wellbeing in children is well-documented yet remains overlooked. Children’s Mental Health Week from 3-9 February 2025 offers the opportunity to highlight this connection and explore the impact of early hearing care and access to intervention on children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. The literature demonstrates that early intervention in hearing care is not only essential for communication but plays a pivotal role in protecting children’s mental health.
The importance of early hearing care
Children with some level of hearing loss are a small but significant population – the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 0.5 to 5 in every 1,000 children are born with sensorineural deafness or develop hearing loss during childhood, suggesting at least 32 million children worldwide are affected.
For these children, the consequences of undiagnosed hearing loss can be profound. Children with untreated hearing issues often face challenges in language acquisition, academic performance, and social integration.
Scientific research has consistently shown that early intervention can mitigate these challenges. Children who received intervention earlier demonstrate significantly better language development than those who received delayed care. This highlights the critical window of opportunity for effective treatment in the early years of childhood.
Mental health implications of untreated hearing loss
But hearing loss is far more than a physical health issue. Hearing loss doesn’t just impact children’s ability to hear; it affects how they perceive and interact with the world around them. Just like adults, children with untreated hearing loss are more likely to experience social isolation and anxiety and depression, Difficulty in following conversations or participating in group activities can lead to feelings of exclusion, while struggles with communication can erode self-esteem and contribute to mental health issues. It can also lead to behavioural problems at home or in the educational setting, as frustration stemming from communication barriers can often manifest as behavioural challenges.
A comprehensive study published in the Journal of Pediatrics in 2023 emphasized the heightened risk of anxiety and depression in children with hearing loss. Importantly, the study urged healthcare providers to adopt a holistic approach and look at the “whole child”. This would involve addressing both auditory and mental health needs, as well as the child’s physical, developmental, emotional, and behavioural needs in a comprehensive manner. “Treatment plans should focus on the child’s linguistic, cognitive, and socioemotional needs, as well as the family’s desires,” state the authors, who also emphasise the need to closely involve the family’s primary care provider. The study also points out that at least one-third of children who are deaf or hard of hearing will have a coexisting condition affecting development and learning, which could include attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, or global developmental delay. Timely assessment and specialist referrals should go hand in hand with any hearing intervention.
Role of parents and educators
Parents and educators play a crucial role in spotting early signs of hearing loss. These may include delayed speech and language development, a frequent need for repetition, difficulty following instructions in noisy environments, and/or a lack of response to auditory stimuli. By recognizing these signs early, parents and teachers can ensure timely referrals to audiologists for hearing assessments.
Benefits of hearing aids and support systems
For children diagnosed with hearing loss, interventions such as hearing aids and (in cases of severe hearing loss or deafness) cochlear implants can be life changing. A 2024 study which also included adolescents (aged 15 and older) presented hearing aid adoption showed protective associations against mood disorders and lowered unmet primary mental healthcare needs.
Additionally, access to speech and language therapy, counselling, and inclusive educational environments further enhances the quality of life for children with hearing loss. These support systems not only bridge communication gaps but also foster confidence and resilience, contributing to better mental health outcomes overall.
Advocacy for early screening programmes
Early intervention and early screening programmes go hand in hand. The aforementioned benefits of early intervention underscore the importance of widespread newborn hearing screening programs. Although many European countries have implemented these programmes, paving the way to earlier diagnoses and interventions, there remains large variability in the screening steps and tests used among countries. There is also still room for improvement when it comes to raising awareness and ensuring access to resources, particularly in underserved communities.
Conclusion
As Children’s Mental Health Week takes place, it is timely to remember that mental health begins with healthy communication. By prioritizing early hearing care, children can be empowered to thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. The connection between hearing and mental health is undeniable — early intervention and access to the appropriate supports is absolutely necessary.
For more information, resources, and support, visit HearingYou.org. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children with hearing loss, ensuring they grow up with the confidence and tools they need to succeed.
References:
- Is Early Intervention Effective in Improving Spoken Language Outcomes of Children With Congenital Hearing Loss? – PMC
- Hearing Assessment in Infants, Children, and Adolescents: Recommendations Beyond Neonatal Screening | Pediatrics | American Academy of Pediatrics
- Existing Newborn and Childhood Hearing Screening Programmes in Europe
- Summary Report: Childhood Hearing Screening
