Suicide Risk in People with Hearing Impairment in the Post-COVID-19 Period: The CaViDAuCo Study

Abstract

Background/Objectives: During the COVID-19 pandemic, suicide risk increased in the general population and persisted in the post-pandemic period. People with hearing impairment faced communication barriers that negatively affected their mental health. However, there is no evidence on whether they have an increased suicide risk in the post-pandemic period. This study aimed to assess the association between mental disorders, quality of life, and suicide risk in individuals with hearing impairment in the post-COVID-19 period. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 103 participants with hearing impairment from the CaViDAuCo study. Adjusted and unadjusted differences in mental disorders (depression, anxiety, and stress) and quality of life (physical and mental) were analyzed using Student’s t test and ANCOVA according to suicide risk. Results: Depression, anxiety, stress, and mental quality of life in people with hearing impairment were significantly associated with suicide risk (unadjusted, models 1 and 2, p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 1.4, 1.4, 1.3, and −1.0, respectively). Due to the cross-sectional design, no causal relationships can be established. Conclusions: In the post-pandemic period, participants with hearing impairment exhibited a significant association between suicide risk, mental disorders, and poor mental quality of life. Although causality cannot be established, and the results should be interpreted with caution due to the small sample size, these findings underscore the need to improve mental health accessibility and implement inclusive communication policies. Further research is needed to better understand these associations and design effective interventions that promote the mental health and quality of life of people with hearing impairment.