Mental health among deaf/hard-of-hearing adolescents and adolescents with auditory processing disorder

This study investigated mental health in deaf or hard-of-hearing (DHH) adolescents and adolescents with auditory processing disorder (APD) during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. By focusing on these underrepresented groups, this study addressed a gap in the adolescent mental health research and provided an insight into mental health indicators and potential resources relevant to mental health promotion. We examined the extent of well-being and physical complaints (1) over four annual cross-sectional assessments from 2021 to 2024 and in 2024 (2) compared to hearing adolescents. With regard to resources, we (3) explored self-efficacy and peer group integration between groups and (4) analyzed the relationship between resources with well-being and physical complaints. Our data showed no significant differences in well-being or physical complaints across the 4 years nor between DHH adolescents or adolescents with APD and hearing adolescents. There was also no group difference for self-efficacy. DHH adolescents and adolescents with APD reported lower peer group integration. Self-efficacy was generally associated with higher well-being and fewer physical complaints. Peer group integration was more strongly associated with well-being in hearing adolescents. Findings underscore the importance of strengthening personal and social resources to promote adolescent mental health.