Effects of hearing impairment on academic performance of learners with specific learning difficulties in English; a case study of Nyamagana district, Mwanza region

Abstract

The research report is to found out the Effect of hearing impairment on the academic performance of learners with specific learning difficulties in English in Nyamagana District in Mwanza region. From the findings, it was realized that many learners with hearing impairment perform below average compared to those who do not have due to severity of hearing impairment in learners. A part from that the common causes of hearing impairment in these learners were diseases which affect the mother, use of drugs like quinine, trauma to the mother, maternal diseases like rubella etc. In order to improve academic performance of learners with specific learning difficulties in English there should be a modification of curriculum to suit the learners with hearing impairment. However, educating learners with hearing impairment needs a lot of devotion, patience and tolerances. As noted earlier, teachers are called upon to change their attitudes towards these learners who have hearing impairment. There is need for them to modify their teaching methods and approaches. This in turn will change the mode of presentation; hence effective teaching and learning will be realized.