Dual Sensory Loss occurs when someone loses both hearing and sight. People with dual sensory loss are also referred to as deaf-blind.
The circumstances under which a person acquires dual sensory loss differ for each individual, as will the impact on day-to-day life, as well as the lives of family members, caregivers, and others.
A person may compensate with vision as hearing deteriorates and vice versa.
As the “better” sense also starts to deteriorate, the person may face challenges in adjusting to life with dual sensory loss, experiencing difficulties with communication, everyday tasks in the home, finding out information, and getting out and about safely and confidently.
Host of The Wizard of Eyes, Dr. Robert Abel, Jr., and nationally-recognized HLADE President, Linda Heller, discuss dual sensory loss to bring awareness to the growing population of those with low vision, blindness, and deafness (or being hard of hearing), as well as the resources available and new efforts to help increase information and education to these individuals and families.