Extended Reality Vocational Training for Hearing Impaired

NCT07639346 | Completed DMC

• 2 other identifiers: KSRG-2026-053-2KSRG-2026-053
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 48
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study examines the efficacy of an interactive, extended reality (XR)-based virtual training environment-specifically utilizing 360-degree virtual reality (360-VR) interactive simulations-against conventional vocational experiential methods. The primary objective is to evaluate whether integrating synchronized visual scaffolding, which combines localized Saudi Sign Language (SSL) video loops with concise written text hotspots, can systematically enhance practical vocational competencies (such as housekeeping setup sequences and culinary safety) among deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) students. Additionally, the trial investigates the longitudinal impact of this immersive media intervention on fostering professional self-efficacy and expanding overall employability.

Conditions

Hearing Impairment; Deafness

Keywords

Extended Reality; 360-degree Virtual Reality; Vocational Training; Employability Readiness; Saudi Sign Language

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Change in Cognitive Achievement Test (CAT) Scores

  The CAT is a hyper-visualized 30-item multiple-choice instrument designed to evaluate theoretical safety and operational hospitality knowledge. Total scores range from 0 to 30, with higher scores representing superior cognitive theoretical mastery.

  Baseline (Pre-test) and 6 weeks post-intervention (Post-test)

Study Arms (2)

Experimental Group (XR Training)

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group receive an immersive 6-week vocational training intervention utilizing interactive 360-degree Virtual Reality (360-VR) simulations. Sessions are executed twice a week, precisely capped at 20 minutes per student. The platform features integrated visual scaffolding, combining concise written text with synchronized Saudi Sign Language (SSL) video loops to teach standardized hospitality competencies.

Behavioral: Interactive 360-degree Virtual Reality Vocational Training

Control Group (Conventional Instruction)

NO INTERVENTION

Participants in this group target identical vocational hospitality competencies within the traditional special education workshops under standard instructor demonstrations and text-heavy booklets, without any digital or adaptive technology interventions.

Interventions

Interactive 360-degree Virtual Reality Vocational Training BEHAVIORAL

The virtual training is a behavioral intervention delivered via high-definition standalone VR head-mounted displays. It comprises an immersive 360-degree interactive environment capturing authentic premium hospitality venues (luxury suites and kitchens). The protocol spans 6 weeks, structured into two 20-minute individual learning sessions per week (12 sessions total). The system integrates specialized visual cues and interactive hotspots that launch customized, transparent windows combining clear text with synchronized Saudi Sign Language (SSL) interpreters to guide task steps and lower the student's visual cognitive load.

Also known as: Interactive 360-VR Simulation Platform

Experimental Group (XR Training)

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 17 Years - 20 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Chronological age formally documented between 17.0 and 20.0 years old.
• Documented medical diagnosis of profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss exceeding 70 dB, verified by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties.
• Fluency in Saudi Sign Language (SSL) as the primary linguistic modality.
• Formally enrolled in the senior vocational track under the Saudi special education framework at Al-Amal secondary schools.

You may not qualify if:

• Co-occurring neurodevelopmental or cognitive conditions (e.g., intellectual disabilities or profound Autism Spectrum Disorder).
• Medical history of photosensitive epilepsy, severe visual comorbidities, or chronic vestibulo-ocular reflex disorders.
• Absence of basic functional Arabic text reading comprehension.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• King Salman Center for Disability Research: lead

Study Sites (1)

Special Education Resource Rooms

Cairo, Egypt

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Hearing Loss; Deafness

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Hearing Disorders; Ear Diseases; Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases; Sensation Disorders; Neurologic Manifestations; Nervous System Diseases; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NON RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: SUPPORTIVE CARE
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Professor

Model Details: A quasi-experimental matched-pair parallel assignment model comparing an experimental group with a control group.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 3, 2026
• First Posted: June 10, 2026
• Study Start: January 3, 2026
• Primary Completion: April 14, 2026
• Study Completion: May 10, 2026
• Last Updated: June 10, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-06

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

EG (1)