Perspectives towards Communication Options among Parents of Children with Hearing Impairment

Abstract

Introduction Intervention and educational approaches ranging from oral language only to oral language combined with various forms of sign language have evolved. The aim of this study was to understand the choices of language for the deaf/ hearing impaired child for communication by the parents using a survey questionnaire. The objectives were to adapt the questionnaire given by to obtain the information about the choices of communication mode and the process of selection. Materials and Methods Participants included in this study were parents of hearing impaired and deaf children in Bengaluru. Modified and shortlisted 31 questions given to ten teachers of deaf and sign language users for content validation and those suggestions were incorporated. Questionnaire was provided to parents of hearing impaired and deaf children. Results Study showed majority were fitted with devices to help their hearing – hearing aid and cochlear implant and joined oral school for education. Age of Intervention was early only in small number of children. Sign language as a mode of communication was reported in only 20.3% and 59.3% reportedly not used sign language at all. The families that used sign language reported the reason for the choice being ease of use. Regardless of competence of children in oral language, majority of parent’s aspiration was oral language, followed by sign and oral language. Choosing sign language as a primary communication mode is seen in minority of parents. The survey also showed though children are in oral school, mode communication is not always oral. Peer group interaction and interaction with family members require sign and actions-gestures along with oral language. Conclusion The study emphasized the importance of learning oral language and sign language for deaf and hearing-impaired children. Parental concerns revolved around educational opportunities of deaf/ hearing impaired child population may be reduced.