Required functions of AI technologies for students who are hard of hearing: perspectives of special education faculty in Saudi Arabia

Research identifies a significant gap in artificial intelligence (AI) educational technologies for Students who are Hard of Hearing (SHH). Existing AI solutions primarily target Deaf learners or hearing populations, neglecting the distinct sensory, communicative, and academic needs of SHH in mainstream educational settings. A qualitative study was conducted in Saudi Arabia to ascertain the required functions of AI technologies for SHH from the perspective of special education faculty.

Why it matters

Addressing the specific technological needs of Students who are Hard of Hearing (SHH) is crucial for promoting equitable access to education and ensuring inclusive learning environments. This initiative highlights an under-served demographic in AI development, presenting an opportunity for targeted innovation and improved educational outcomes.

Key insights

• Students who are Hard of Hearing (SHH) possess unique sensory, communicative, and academic requirements that differentiate them from Deaf students and hearing populations.
• Current AI educational technologies predominantly cater to Deaf learners or the general hearing population, overlooking the specific needs of SHH.
• This creates a critical technological gap for SHH within mainstream educational environments.
• The study's objective was to identify necessary AI technology functions for SHH, as perceived by specialist faculty in Saudi Arabia.
• The research employed semi-structured interviews with ten university faculty members specializing in hearing loss across five regions of Saudi Arabia.

Source

Frontiers in Education — https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1901716