What is the approximate proportion of children with minimal hearing loss who fail at least one school grade compared to normal-hearing children?

Children with minimal hearing loss exhibit various challenges in academic settings, often leading to increased difficulties in learning and comprehension compared to their peers with normal hearing. Research indicates that these children are at a significantly higher risk of academic underachievement. The choice indicating that they are eighteen times more likely to fail at least one school grade is supported by studies that demonstrate a strong correlation between even mild hearing impairment and educational difficulties.

This substantial increase in risk is attributed to factors such as challenges in auditory processing, poorer communication skills, and potential social isolation, which can all detrimentally affect learning outcomes. As a result, children with minimal hearing loss often require additional support in educational environments to help bridge these gaps and mitigate their academic risks. The considerable figure highlights the importance of early identification and intervention for hearing loss in children to promote better educational success.