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Medical risk factors associated with listening difficulties in children

David R Moore1,2,3, Adam S Vesole2,4, Li Lin1

  • 1Division of Patient Services Research, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.

International Journal of Audiology
|June 24, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Infants with a history of prematurity, head injury, or extended high frequency (EHF) hearing loss face a higher risk of later listening difficulties (LiD). Early identification of these risk factors is crucial for timely intervention and support.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Audiology
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Speech and Hearing Science

Background:

  • Listening difficulties (LiD) can impact learning and communication.
  • Objective medical risk factors in infancy may predict later LiD.
  • Early detection is key for effective intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between four objective medical risk factors in infants and toddlers and the later development of LiD.
  • To identify predictive markers for early identification of LiD.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective, case-control study involving children aged 6-13 years.
  • Participants were grouped into LiD (n=68) and typically developing (n=84) based on caregiver reports and audiometric results.
  • Risk factors assessed included prematurity, head injury, otitis media, and extended high frequency (EHF) hearing loss, using logistic regression and odds ratios.

Main Results:

  • Children with LiD showed significantly higher prevalence of prematurity (18%, OR 3.39), head injury (21%, OR 3.37), and EHF hearing loss (32%, OR 2.42).
  • EHF hearing loss was linked to prematurity and ventilation tube use.
  • Prematurity, ventilation tubes, and EHF loss correlated with poorer speech perception and dichotic listening skills.

Conclusions:

  • History of prematurity, head injury, or EHF loss increases the risk of LiD in children.
  • These findings support the use of objective medical history for early LiD screening.
  • LiD is a neurodevelopmental disorder requiring early intervention.
Abstract

Keywords:
Hearing lossauditory processinghead injuryotitis mediaprematurity

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