Development and Assessment of a Novel Audiosensory Performance Method for Improving the Oral Health of Visually Impaired Children

Abstract

This study evaluated the effectiveness of an audiosensory performance method in enhancing oral health knowledge and status among visually impaired children aged 6-12 years in the National Capital Region (NCR), Delhi. An interventional study design was used, involving 251 participants equally divided into two groups: one using traditional Braille booklets and the other using Audiosensory Braille booklets. The median age of participants was 8 years, with a gender distribution of 53.8% male and 46.2% female. The Mann-Whitney U test compared oral health outcomes at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months. Initial findings showed no significant differences in mean Oral Hygiene Index (OHI) and Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) counts between groups at baseline and 1 month. However, significant improvements were observed at 3 and 6 months in the Audiosensory Braille booklet group. This group demonstrated better oral health outcomes, with notable reductions in S. mutans counts. The study highlights the effectiveness of combining audio instructions, tactile perception, and practical brushing exercises-known as the Audio-Tactile Performance (ATP) method-in enhancing oral hygiene practices among visually impaired children. These findings underscore the importance of tailored, inclusive educational approaches to promote sustainable oral health and overall well-being in this population. Future research should explore the long-term efficacy and practical implementation of these interventions.

How to cite this article: Gambhir N, Goel A, Gupta N, et al. Development and Assessment of a Novel Audiosensory Performance Method for Improving the Oral Health of Visually Impaired Children. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2025;18(7):807-813.

Keywords: Audiosensory performance; Braille booklets; Oral health education; Oral hygiene index; Visually impaired children.