Poor communication in childhood tied to increased risk of disease for deaf adults   

Deaf and hard of hearing children risk delayed language and cognitive development if they lack access to language through direct communication such as sign language, a wealth of research has shown. A new study suggests other possible downstream harm: Adverse early life communication experiences are associated with later chronic disease in adults who were deaf or hard of hearing before age 13. Adults who grew up with poor communication from their caregivers had a higher risk of diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease than other deaf or hard of hearing individuals. People who had problems communicating with other family members when they were young also had a greater chance of developing lung disease, depression, and anxiety.