Awareness About Communication Options in Parents of Children with Hearing Impairment and Factors Affecting Their Decision

Abstract

Effective communication is fundamental to human development, social interaction, and learning (Manolson, 1975). For children with hearing impairment, the selection of an appropriate communication option plays a pivotal role in shaping language outcomes, academic progress, and psychosocial well-being. Parents, particularly hearing parents who form the majority of this population, often experience uncertainty and limited awareness when making communication-related decisions for their child. This study investigates parental awareness of four major communication options—Aural–Oral Method, Total Communication, Educational Bilingualism, and Cued Speech—and explores the factors influencing parental decision-making. Data collected from parents of children with hearing impairment in suburban Mumbai reveal significant gaps in knowledge, partial understanding of communication philosophies, and reliance on external recommendations when choosing educational pathways. These findings underscore the need for systematic parent education, professional counselling, and strengthened early intervention frameworks to promote informed, child-centered decision-making.