Quality of Life of Parents of Children With Hearing Impaired

Abstract

Background: Hearing impairment is one of the most prevalent childhood disabilities worldwide, with profound effects on speech, language, and social development. Beyond the child, parents of hearing-impaired children face significant psychosocial and economic challenges that may compromise their quality of life. Evidence from low  and middle-income countries remains limited, particularly in Pakistan, where disability-related stigma and restricted access to specialized services may exacerbate parental burden. Objective: To assess the quality of life of parents of children with hearing impairment in Pakistan across physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains using the WHOQOL-BREF. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted between January and June 2023 in Lahore at tertiary hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and special schools. A total of 113 parents of children aged one to four years with diagnosed hearing impairment were recruited using random sampling. Data were collected through interviewer-administered WHOQOL-BREF questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS v21.0, applying descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and independent t-tests. Results: Parents reported low quality of life across all domains, with the lowest scores in psychological health (mean = 20/100) followed by physical health (40/100). Mothers consistently scored lower than fathers, particularly in psychological health (18.2 vs. 22.6, p = 0.027). Larger family size was associated with significantly poorer physical health (p = 0.033). Conclusion: Parents of hearing-impaired children in Pakistan experience compromised quality of life, especially mothers who face disproportionate psychological burden. Family-centered interventions, psychosocial support, and stigma reduction strategies are needed to improve parental well-being and enhance child rehabilitation outcomes.