Challenges of Hearing-Impaired Aided Students in Special Schools

Abstract

Background: Hearing impairment is a prevalent disability affecting over 34 million children globally, often leading to academic, communicative, and psychosocial challenges. Despite the use of hearing aids, many students with hearing loss continue to experience barriers in special educational settings, including peer interaction difficulties, emotional distress, and limited participation in school life. Understanding these multidimensional challenges is crucial to developing inclusive and supportive educational environments. Objective: To identify and analyse the communication, emotional, and social challenges faced by hearing-impaired aided students enrolled in special schools. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted between September and December 2024 across Fatima Memorial Hospital College, FMH Institute of Allied Health Sciences, and Hamza Foundation Academy for the Deaf in Lahore. A total of 147 hearing-impaired students aged 12–18 years using hearing aids were recruited through convenience sampling. Data were collected via a validated self-designed questionnaire assessing communicative competence, psychosocial wellbeing, and school engagement. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v27 with subgroup comparisons and logistic regression. Results: The mean age was 15.2 ± 1.9 years; 59.2% were male. Frequent frustration in peer communication was reported by 39.5% of participants. Female students had significantly higher odds of psychosocial distress (OR 1.97, 95% CI: 1.10–3.52, p=0.02). Only 15.6% reported regular participation in expressive school activities, while 33.3% perceived inadequate protection from school violence. Distress scores increased with age, especially among older adolescent females. Conclusion: Despite auditory support, hearing-impaired students in special schools face persistent psychosocial and communicative challenges, particularly among older females. Targeted interventions addressing emotional resilience, peer inclusion, and school safety are essential to improve their quality of life and educational outcomes.