Low Cost Assistive Noise Level Indicator for Facilitating the Learning Environment of School Going Children with Hearing Disability in Inclusive Educational Setup

Abstract

The environmental stressors that adversely affects the task performance of mankind includes noise, humidity, illumination etc. Classroom noise pollution makes it difficult for students to stay focused. The education system now being most advocated for children with disability is inclusive education. Increased noise levels in classrooms reduce academic attainments and especially children with hearing impairment are particularly vulnerable to the effects of noise and their performance is compromised. Classroom signal to noise ratios (SNRs) have been measured in the range of - 7dB to +5dB (ArnoldC Crandell&Smaldino, 1995&2000). Amplification devices worn by students with hearing impairment amplify both background noise and teacher's voice thus limiting its benefits in typical classroom listening environments (Nabalek, Donahue,&Letowski, 1986). The current research study was aimed to develop a simple, low cost, low maintenance, high visibility, scientific instrument i.e. a Noise Level Indicator for monitoring noise in the inclusive classroom that will help in creating an enhanced learning environment for the students with normal hearing and students with hearing impairment, learning disability etc. The noise level Indicator was developed, installed in schools and field tested using a measure of social validity by means of questionnaires for teachers, students and management before and after installation. The results reveal a significant difference in the learning environment among all groups before and after installation of the device. The findings are strongly suggestive of using similar devices in inclusive classrooms to enhance the learning environment.