Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Hearing Impairment: The Mediating Influence of Sleep Disorders in a Chinese Population
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By
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Huan Chen
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November 18, 2025
Clinical Scorecard: Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Hearing Impairment: The Mediating Influence of Sleep Disorders in a Chinese Population
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Condition | Hearing loss associated with adverse childhood experiences |
| Key Mechanisms | Sleep disorders mediate the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and hearing loss |
| Target Population | Chinese adults aged 45 years or older |
| Care Setting | Population health and public health interventions |
Key Highlights
- Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) are common and linked to long-term physical and mental health issues.
- Sleep disorders are prevalent and may mediate the effect of ACE on hearing loss.
- This study used longitudinal data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) to test mediation by sleep disorders.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Identify hearing loss via self-report of hearing aid use or self-rated hearing as fair or poor.
- Assess adverse childhood experiences using a 12-item questionnaire covering maltreatment and family dysfunction.
- Screen for sleep disorders based on frequency of restless sleep over the past week.
Management
- Consider interventions targeting sleep disorders to potentially reduce hearing loss risk in individuals with high ACE scores.
- Address ACE-related health risks through comprehensive public health strategies.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Monitor hearing status longitudinally in populations with high ACE exposure.
- Track sleep quality as a modifiable mediator in hearing impairment risk.
Risks
- Higher ACE scores increase risk of hearing loss and sleep disorders.
- Sleep disorders may exacerbate sensory impairment linked to ACE.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Middle-aged and older Chinese adults with varying ACE exposure
Targeting sleep disorders may provide a modifiable pathway to reduce hearing loss risk associated with adverse childhood experiences.
Clinical Best Practices
- Use validated questionnaires to assess ACE, sleep quality, and hearing status in clinical and research settings.
- Incorporate sleep disorder screening in patients with a history of adverse childhood experiences.
- Implement longitudinal monitoring to identify and intervene early in hearing loss progression.
References
- Felitti et al., 1998 - Adverse Childhood Experiences Study
- China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS)
- Mendelian Randomization Analysis on Sleep and Hearing Loss
Based on findings from:
Adverse childhood experiences and hearing loss: the mediating role of sleep disorders in a Chinese cohort
Huan Chen. Bmc Psychiatry, 2025.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12888-025-07543-3
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