Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Behavioral Assessment of Hearing in 2 to 4 Year-old Children: A Two-interval, Observer-based Procedure Using Conditioned Play-based Responses
Published on: January 23, 2017
The relationship between language development and behaviour problems in children with hearing loss
Jim Stevenson1, Donna McCann, Peter Watkin
1University of Southampton, UK. jsteven@soton.ac.uk
Background:
There are well-replicated findings that link poor development on a range of communication skills with increased behavioural problems. This paper examines this relationship in children with hearing loss.
Method:
One hundred and twenty children with hearing loss (67 boys, 53 girls) and 63 hearing children (37 boys, 26 girls) with a mean age of 8 years from eight districts in Southern England were assessed for receptive and expressive language skills. The relationships between these measures and an aggregate of parent- and teacher-reported behaviour problems in the children were investigated.
Results:
Children with hearing loss had higher levels of behaviour problems compared to hearing children. Once the language abilities of children with hearing loss are taken into account, the negative effects of hearing loss on behaviour disappear.
Conclusions:
Behaviour problems are found more commonly in children with hearing loss and the level of behaviour problems is highest amongst those children with hearing loss with the least developed language capabilities.
Related Concept Videos
Language Development
The critical period for language acquisition suggests that the ability to acquire language is at its peak early in life. As people age, this proficiency decreases. Language development begins very...
Language and Cognition
Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
Learning Disabilities
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a...
Introduction to Language of Pathophysiology ll
Higher Mental Functions of the Brain: Language
Language formation and comprehension take place in the dominant hemisphere. The dominant hemisphere is responsible for understanding the meaning of spoken, written, or sign language, as well as the ability to communicate. For most people, the left hemisphere is the dominant one. The right hemisphere, then, gives tone and emotional context to the...
