Adverse childhood experiences and hearing loss: the mediating role of sleep disorders in a Chinese cohort
By
Huan Chen
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
