An investigation of parents' and teachers' views on the reflection of communication skills of students with hearing loss on academic and social competence

Parents and teachers play an important role in the language and communication skills, social interactions and academic development of hearing-impaired students. For this reason, the aim of this study is to examine the views of parents and teachers on the reflection of the communication skills of students with hearing loss in inclusive environments in school and out of school environments. The pattern of the research is phenomenology. The participants of the research are the parents and teachers of 10 students with hearing loss in the inclusive environment in Kars. The data of the research were collected through semi-structured interviews, reflective researcher diary and documents. Content analysis was used in the analysis of the data. As a result of the research, it was determined that the parents of the students with hearing loss who continue their primary education in the inclusive environment in Kars province do not have enough information about early medical and educational interventions and they need guidance. Teachers reported that they do not have sufficient knowledge and experience in educational adaptations and support special education services in the inclusive environment. Both groups of participants stated that students with hearing loss in the inclusive environment could not benefit from early interventions. As a result of this, they stated that there are limitations in the language and communication skills of the students, and this situation has negative reflections on social interaction and academic development. Finally, they made various suggestions for the development of communication skills, social and academic performance of children with hearing loss.