Influence of Demographic Factors on Memory and Attention (Cognitive Ability) among Hearing-Impaired

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of demographic factors on cognitive ability (memory and attention) among hearing-impaired students. Data from 163 hearing-impaired students were collected using simple random sampling at five polytechnics in Malaysia. The Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) software were utilised to examine cognitive ability (memory and attention). Demographic factors consist of gender, hearing aid usage and parents' hearing status. The results revealed that attention and memory differed according to hearing aid usage and parent's status of hearing. No significant differences were found for memory and attention according to hearing-impaired gender. The findings of this study will enable the education authority to direct these special students in a way that best suits the institution and students goals.