Parent-Reported Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder-Linked Behaviors, Fatigue, and Language in Children Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

The sample was relatively small (53 children) and cross-sectional, limiting the ability to generalize findings. Only parent reports of ADHD behaviors were collected; teacher reports, which often differ from parent reports, were not included. The children were aged 7-12 (average 9.5 years), so findings may not apply to younger children or adolescents where academic demands and ADHD symptoms may present differently. The study excluded children with diagnosed ADHD or other developmental disabilities, so it does not address the complexity of comorbid conditions in real-world clinical populations. The NICHQ is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument, so 'positive' responses do not equate to a clinical diagnosis of ADHD.

The authors declared no competing financial or nonfinancial interests. The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health/National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.

Do not interpret the higher inattention scores in children with hearing aids as evidence that cochlear implants prevent attention difficulties. The study found that language-biased items influenced performance ratings, and fatigue correlated with symptoms, suggesting that reported behaviors may stem from communication effort and tiredness rather than a primary attentional disorder.