Bibliometric and Visualization Analysis of Language Ability Research on Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Individuals

Guofang Fu; Xinxin Shan

doi:10.6918/IJOSSER.202605_9(5).0017

Authors

Guofang Fu
Xinxin Shan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6918/IJOSSER.202605_9(5).0017

Keywords:

Bibliometric analysis, Deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH), Language ability, CiteSpace.

Abstract

This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric and visualization analysis of research on deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) language ability published between 2006 and 2025, using CiteSpace and Microsoft Excel. Based on 1250 SSCI-indexed publications from the Web of Science database, the study explores publication trends, core contributors, and evolutionary hotspots. The results show that: (1) The number of publications exhibits a stage-specific trend---slow fluctuating growth (2006-2011), rapid expansion (2012-2020, peaking at 104 articles in 2020), and stable high-level output (2021-2025). (2) Core contributors are dominated by the U.S. (599 publications), with prolific authors including Marschark, M. and Easterbrooks, S. R., and high-impact journals such as Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education. The top-cited references focus on cochlear implant (CI) outcomes and language predictors. (3) Research hotspots have evolved from foundational assistive technology and phonological awareness (2006-2011) to cognitive mechanisms and comparative studies (2012-2020), with recent trends emphasizing personalized intervention (e.g., “predictors”) and cognitive development. This study systematically maps the intellectual structure and evolutionary paths of DHH language ability research, providing a reference for future interdisciplinary exploration and practical intervention.

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