Asian Journal of Research in Social Sciences and Humanities

Census 2011 revealed that 1.59 million individuals in India in the 0–19 year age group had hearing disability, which is a preventable burden. Although evidence has pointed towards impaired social-emotional development as a consequence of hearing impairment, few studies in India have focused on non-auditory developmental concerns in children with hearing impairment (HI). The present study aims to describe cognitive, behavioural and emotional manifestations in children with HI receiving intervention at a multidisciplinary child development centre in Mumbai.

Data was obtained from a retrospective study that analyzed case records of children reporting at the aforesaid child development centre from 2009 to 2012. All children underwent a comprehensive, multidisciplinary evaluation followed by a structured, multidisciplinary and goal-oriented intervention program that was individualized for each child. Out of 1301 children analyzed in the preceding retrospective study, 69 children had hearing impairment, which were included in the present analysis.

Mean reporting age of children with HI was 6.4 years. Among children with HI, 85.5% of were diagnosed, either with delayed speech or language development. Average or higher probability of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or Attention Deficit Disorder was noted in 48.4% of children, while 42%, 31.8% and 14.5% of children had subnormal developmental quotient, behavioural concerns and emotional concerns, respectively.

Children with HI need to be thoroughly evaluated from a developmental perspective and should receive early intervention. Any form of early intervention should be multidisciplinary and goal-oriented, given the range of developmental risks that may co-exist.