Factors Associated With Hearing-Related Quality of Life in Children With Hearing Loss

Objective: Our objective was to determine how hearing-related quality of life (HEAR-QL) varies with time and explore its association with hearing loss (HL) characteristics in children aged 7–18 years old. Study Design: Retrospective chart review. Methods: Medical records of 7–18 year-olds with HL who completed ≥ 1 HEAR-QL questionnaire were reviewed. Longitudinal HEAR-QL changes were explored using mixed linear models. Results: Data from 109 children with HL were analyzed. Most recent total HEAR-QL score was not associated with HL severity. Median score differences were estimated at 7.6 (slight/mild–moderate/moderately severe; 95% CI −2.3 to 15.7), 2.16 (slight/mild–severe/profound; 95% CI −9.0 to 11.2), and −3.9 (moderate/moderately severe–severe/profound; 95% CI −11.6 to 2.7). In children without changes in device use, there were no changes over time in HEAR-QL Environments/Situations, Activities/Social, or School scores. Feelings score increased by 2.9 points (95% CI 1.5–4.3) with each additional year of age. In six children who initiated device use between surveys, total HEAR-QL scores increased by a median of 15.2 points (95% CI 3.0–41.7) after device initiation. Conclusions: In children with HL, overall HEAR-QL scores remained similar over time and between HL severity categories. Feelings scores appeared to increase with age as children adjusted to their diagnosis. In a subset of children, HEAR-QL scores increased after device initiation. Clinicians may consider recommending hearing devices for children whose QOL is significantly impacted by HL, regardless of severity. Additional investigation is necessary to further characterize how QOL changes after device initiation. Level of Evidence: 4.