Applications of Augmented and Virtual Reality in Enhancing Communication for Individuals Who Are Hard of Hearing: A Systematic Review.

Purpose: This systematic review examines the role of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in enhancing communication for individuals who are hard of hearing.

Method: Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive search across databases including PubMed, WoS, EMBASE, and IEEE. Of the 5,981 records initially identified, 22 studies met our inclusion criteria after screening. Most of these studies (68%) focused on nonverbal communication modalities using tools such as sign language and visual cues, while the remainder focused on verbal communication. A descriptive synthesis was used due to the expected diversity in study characteristics.

Results: Our assessment showed a substantial emphasis on educational impacts, speech perception, and cognitive skills development through AR and VR. The reviewed articles provide preliminary evidence on the efficacy of these technologies in teaching sign language, enhancing cognitive skills such as reasoning, and improving speech perception among the deaf or hard of hearing individuals.

Conclusion: This review underscores the transformative potential of AR and VR in addressing communication challenges faced by individuals who are hard of hearing, emphasizing the need for further research with diverse, larger sample sizes to investigate these technologies for broader communication support.