This study aims to develop and evaluate a virtual reality (VR) game designed to improve central auditory processing skills in children aged 10-18 years with bilateral cochlear implants. The project aims to test the effectiveness of an innovative VR platform as a complement to traditional auditory rehabilitation methods. It focuses on improving critical skills such as auditory attention in noise, working memory, auditory localization and speech perception.
Scope of the Study:
Participant Profile: Children aged 10-18 years with prelingual hearing loss who received bilateral cochlear implants before the age of 2. Participants will be selected according to the criteria of the Child Auditory Performance Scale (CHAPS) and a minimum age of 7 years for receptive and expressive language as a result of the Peabody Picture Word Test.
Methodology: The study will compare traditional auditory rehabilitation (control group) with VR-based rehabilitation (study group). The VR rehabilitation process will consist of weekly 30-minute sessions lasting a total of 4 weeks. The assessment tools will include the Hearing in Noise Test (HINT).
Scales and Forms to be Used in the Pilot Study: The following tools and forms will be used in the pilot phase to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness and usability of the game:
Demographic Information Forms:
Demographic information form for children using cochlear implants. Demographic information form for children with normal hearing. Game Observation Checklist: Used to systematically observe and document participants' interactions with the game.
Virtual Reality Game Test List: To evaluate specific tasks and performance results in the VR game.
System Usability Scale (SUS): Will be administered to parents to evaluate the usability of the VR system. Parents will provide insight into how their children experienced the game and their perceptions of the usability process.
Parent One-on-One Interview Form: To collect feedback from parents about the impact and effectiveness of the game. Child Game Evaluation Form: To collect direct feedback from children about their experiences with the VR game.
Participant One-on-One Interview Form: To document qualitative data from participants about their experiences and challenges.
The feedback received from 10 participants and their parents in the pilot phase will play a critical role in improving the game mechanics and ensuring the effectiveness of the system.
Innovative Aspects and Contributions: The innovative aspect of the study is the use of virtual reality technology in auditory rehabilitation. In the VR environment, participants will undertake tasks in a realistic restaurant simulation by adapting to increasing levels of difficulty to improve their auditory skills. The study aims to achieve improvements in auditory attention, working memory and speech perception in noise of the participants, exceeding the results of traditional methods.
It is expected that the results of this study will contribute to the development of new strategies for the rehabilitation of individuals with hearing loss and enable them to participate more effectively in daily life. In addition, the developed VR game will support the education and social integration of hearing impaired individuals while raising awareness in society. It is planned that the scientific findings of the study will be published in national and international journals and form the basis for the development of various rehabilitation programs.
