A Study on the Impact of Voice-to-Text Technology on Academic Achievement of the Hearing-Impaired

Abstract

Hearing loss is a significant barrier to academic achievement, with hearing-impaired (HI) individuals often facing challenges in speech recognition, language development, and social interactions. Lip-reading, a crucial skill for HI individuals, is essential for effective communication and learning. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the challenges faced by HI individuals, with the face masks hindering lip-reading. This literature review explores the relationship between hearing loss and academic achievement, highlighting the importance of lip-reading and the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques in mitigating these challenges. The introduction of Voice-to-Text (VtT) technology, which provides real-time text captions, can significantly improve speech recognition and academic performance for HI students. AI models, such as Hidden Markov models and Transformer models, can enhance the accuracy and robustness of VtT technology in diverse educational settings. Furthermore, VtT technology can facilitate better teacher-student interactions, provide transcripts of lectures and classroom discussions, and bridge the gap in standardized testing performance between HI and hearing students. While challenges and limitations exist, the successful implementation of VtT technology can promote inclusive education and enhance academic achievement. Future research directions include popularizing VtT technology, addressing technological barriers, and customizing VtT systems to cater to individual needs.