PURPOSE: the objective of this study was to evaluate the level of cognitive, affective and social development of children diagnosed with hearing loss. METHOD: the study included 50 children diagnosed with hearing loss, with a mean age of 16.1 months, both genders. We applied a semi-structured interview with parents for the life history of the child, Scale Development and Behavioral Assessment Scale Reaction Baby Retraction. RESULTS: the study identified 80% of children with bilateral profound hearing loss. Quotient of normal development occurred in 76% of the sample and the most affected functions were language and personal-social. The affective and interactional levels adjustment were characterized by the alarm reactions for personal problems and social interaction. CONCLUSION: the dephased verbal and nonverbal competences showed implications on cognitive development, suggesting the hearing loss condition and associated risk factors, with limited situational communicative exchanges that promote the development of adaptive skills and increased the self-esteem on the relationships.
Child Development; Hearing Loss; Cognition; Behavior
