Audiological Services Available for Children with Hearing Impairment in Special Schools and Institutes of Lahore

Abstract

This study investigated the availability and adequacy of audiological services for children with hearing impairment in special schools and institutes of Lahore. A quantitative descriptive design was employed, and a non-probability convenience sampling technique was used to select 32 audiologists working in these institutions. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire assessing personnel, equipment, hearing assessment, monitoring, follow-up, hearing aid services, parental support, and institutional commitment. Results indicated that basic assessments such as pure tone audiometry were widely available (75.0%), whereas advanced diagnostics like OAE (18.8%) and ABR (12.5%) were limited. Regular hearing monitoring (46.9%) and parental counselling (43.8%) were inconsistently provided. Hearing aid services, assistive devices, and ear mould preparation were inadequately supported, while institutional commitment and budgeting were insufficient. One-way ANOVA revealed significant differences in service provision across schools, hospitals, and clinics. The study highlights critical gaps in personnel, equipment, parental involvement, and administrative support, emphasizing the need to strengthen audiological services to enhance communication and educational outcomes.