HEARING IMPAIRMENT

Background: Dual sensory impairment, involving both visual and auditory deficiencies, significantly impacts an individual’s ability to communicate, learn, and navigate their environment. Research suggested that hearing-impaired individuals were at a higher risk of developing ocular abnormalities, including refractive errors and contrast sensitivity deficits. Given their reliance on vision for communication, understanding the prevalence and nature of visual impairment in this population was crucial for effective healthcare interventions. Purpose: To determine the relationship between visual and hearing impairment in affected individuals. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the school for the hearing impaired in Benin City using purposive sampling. Participants were selected based on inclusion criteria, with demographic and hearing-impairment data obtained from school records and teachers. Visual assessments included Tumbling E visual acuity testing, ophthalmoscopy, retinoscopy, subjective refraction, contrast sensitivity testing using the Pelli-Robson chart, and cover test. Data were collected using structured forms and analyzed using SPSS Version 25.0. Data Analysis: Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were employed. The prevalence of visual impairment and contrast sensitivity abnormalities was determined. Chi-square tests assessed associations between age, gender, and dual sensory impairment. Results: Among the 100 hearing-impaired participants examined, hyperopia (34%) was the most common refractive anomaly, followed by compound hyperopic astigmatism (15%), while mixed astigmatism (4%) was the least. Visual impairment before correction was 6%, and after refraction, normal vision increased to 96% with 2% impaired. Contrast sensitivity was normal in 96% of participants, with 2% showing mild reduction. No severe visual impairment, blindness, or significant association with age or gender was found. Conclusion: Hearing-impaired individuals showed a high prevalence of correctable refractive errors. Most visual deficits improved with refraction, underscoring the importance of routine vision screening and timely optical correction in schools for the hearing impaired. Contribution to Optometry: This study provided valuable insights into the relationship between visual and auditory impairments, supporting improved screening and management strategies for individuals with dual sensory impairment.

The study investigated the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) on the education of students with hearing impairment in Benin City. Four research questions were tested to guide the study. In order to achieve the intended objectives of the study. Literature was reviewed according to the sub variables of the study. The study adopted descriptive survey
research design. Purposive sampling was used in selecting fifty students with hearing impairment in Ihogbo College. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire title “The Impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on the Education of Students with Hearing Impairment in Benin City”. The internal consistency of the instrument was established
at 0.910 using Cronbach's Alpha correction co-efficient. The data collected were statistically analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics to answer research questions. Result of the study indicated that use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has high impact on the education of students with hearing impairment, Information and Communication
Technology (ICT) has minimal influence on the academic performance of students with hearing impairment, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) plays minimal role in facilitating communication and social interaction among students with hearing impairment and there are little benefits and some challenge of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
integration of students with hearing impairment. It was concluded that utilization of Information and Communication echnology (ICT) has high impact on the education of students with hearing impairment, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has minimal influence on the academic performance of students with hearing impairment, Information and ommunication Technology (ICT) plays minimal role in facilitating communication and social interaction among students with hearing impairment and there are little benefits and some challenge of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) integration of students with hearing impairment.