Challenges and trends in the use of technology by hearing impaired students in higher education

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The presence of students with hearing impairment in the university context has increased in recent years. OBJETIVE: The aim of this study is to provide the academic community with an overview of research on ICT as a support for students with hearing impairment in higher education settings. METHOD: The data were obtained through a systematic literature review, covering the period from 2010 to 2020, in three leading scientific databases in the world of education (Web of Science, Scopus and ERIC). The sample consisted of 17 studies out of an initial 190. Through a descriptive and quantitative methodology, the most significant bibliometric data are presented, and by means of bibliometric maps, a methodology based on co-word analysis, clustering techniques and visualisation techniques is applied in order to determine the fields of study and research. RESULTS: The findings show a lack of research that addresses the use of ICT for students with hearing impairment, as well as the effectiveness of these tools. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to approach research from a systemic and holistic perspective in order to improve the education of these students.