Using standardized psychometric tests to identify learning disabilities in students with sensorineural hearing impairments

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of standardized psychoeducational diagnostic instruments to identify learning disabilities in students with sensorineural hearing impairments. Nineteen students were evaluated: 14 males and 5 females between the ages of 7 and 13. Results indicated that 12 were functioning at grade level, 2 had cognitive delays, and 2 had learning disabilities. Of the 3 remaining students, 2 had unilateral hearing loss and 1 had a precipitous high-frequency hearing loss; these students were used as controls. Students with hearing impairment were found to demonstrate learning disabilities with a frequency similar to that found in students with normal hearing. These results suggest that standardized instruments can be used effectively to identify learning disabilities in students with sensorineural hearing loss.