Behavioral Problems in Children with Hearing Loss: A Comparative Analysis with Children with Typical Development and Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Research findings on the prevalence and characteristics of behavioral problems of children with hearing loss (HL) are not consistent. The aim of this study was to compare the behavioral problems of children with HL, with typical development (TD) and with autism spectrum disorder (ASD); and to determine the factors affecting behavioral problems in the HL group. Data were collected by using two scales based on the reports of 273 teachers of children with TD, HL and ASD: Child Behavior Checklist-Teacher Report Form (CBCL-TRF) and Social Skills Rating System-Problem Behaviors (SSRS-PB). ANOVA results showed that there was no difference between children with HL and TD, children with ASD had more behavioral problems than the two groups. In the HL group, children using hearing aids exhibited more behavioral problems than children with cochlear implants. Children who had additional problems displayed more behavioral problems than those who had not. Age at onset of hearing aid use and age at implantation were found to be significant predictors of behavioral problems. The findings point to the role of early intervention in preventing behavioral problems in children with HL.