Benefits of computerized auditory training software for Kannada speaking children with hearing impairment – parent’s perspective

Abstract

Purpose: The present study attempted to develop computer based auditory training software focusing on Kannada speaking children with hearing impairment (HI). In addition, it was also attempted to determine if there are any improvements in listening with and without the developed software.Materials and Methods: This was determined based on pre and post therapy changes in the parent’s perspective, and also on questionnaires. The software consisted of five modules namely, auditory awareness, auditory identification, auditory discrimination, auditory memory and sequencing and auditory comprehension. It was administered on ten individuals with HI who also received listening training, while he control group received only listening training.Results: The results of the study showed that there was an improvement in listening skills based on infant toddler-meaningful auditory integration scale (IT-MAIS) and parents’ evaluation of aural/oral performance of children (PEACH) questionnaires administered on parents of children with HI. A detailed interview of parents also suggested that there was an enhanced auditory attention and improvement in overall listening skills.Conclusions: Thus, the present software can act as a supplement to the usual listening training in Kannada speaking children with HI.