Kristan Alfonso

Original Report Editor's Note: This Manuscript was accepted for publication on August 12, 2022. Dr Alfonso has a clinical consulting agreement with Cochlear®. The authors have no other funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose. Abstract Objective Postoperative opioid prescriptions tend to exceed children's analgesic needs, but awareness of the opioid epidemic may have driven changes in prescribing behaviors.

Key Takeaways Kids with hearing loss often experience emotional struggles. A new study emphasizes the need for mental health screenings in order to take steps necessary for treatment. Hearing is often prioritized over mental health because it’s the impairment that is apparent to others. Hearing loss can affect a child’s emotions, social interactions, and self-esteem. Devices are available to physically manage the auditory loss, but they don’t address the emotional aspect.