Perception of Sound Parameters in Children with Hearing Loss and Cochlear Implants: Review of Evidence and Inclusive Music Education Approaches
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https://doi.org/10.17979/digilec.2026.13.13519Abstract
The aim of this study is to understand the current state of knowledge regarding the perception of musical parameters and elements (pitch/melody, duration/rhythm, timbre, and intensity/dynamics) in children with sensorineural hearing loss and cochlear implants, and to propose inclusive, multimodal pedagogical intervention criteria that integrate audiological, linguistic-developmental, and sociocultural perspectives from Deaf Studies. To this end, a literature review was conducted of the most relevant contributions on music perception in people with hearing loss, including not only those establishing the theoretical foundation of the topic, but also research carried out in recent years that highlights the latest findings. The results show relatively better performance in rhythmic/duration tasks, compared to greater difficulties in pitch discrimination, timbre recognition, and the perception of intensity variations. Improvement trends were also observed in association with early musical exposure and structured auditory training programs. Furthermore, the relevance of vibrotactile apps for understanding each parameter is evident, primarily due to the inclusion of synchronized LED lights and gamification components that make them more engaging for young students. The studies analyzed support the need to design multimodal educational practices that combine rhythm, vibration, and visual aids, fostering musical development from an inclusive perspective. Likewise, the integration of bilingual-bicultural models and sound accessibility strategies is proposed to guarantee the full participation of deaf students in meaningful musical experiences.
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