An overview of dual sensory impairment in older adults: perspectives for rehabilitation.

Gabrielle H Saunders, Katharina V Echt

Journal: Trends in amplification 2008;11(4):243-58

PMID: 18003868

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Abstract

Dual sensory impairment (DSI) refers to the presence of both hearing loss and vision loss. The occurrence of DSI is particularly prevalent among the aging population, with studies showing between 9% and 21% of adults older than 70 years having some degree of DSI. Despite this, there is little direction regarding recommended clinical practice and rehabilitation of individuals with DSI. It is assumed that the problems encountered by individuals with DSI are considerably greater than the effects of vision impairment or hearing impairment alone, because when these two sensory impairments are combined, the individual is seriously deprived of compensatory strategies that make use of the nonimpaired sense. In this article, the literature available regarding DSI is summarized, and research needs regarding rehabilitation strategies are outlined and discussed. Simple suggestions for addressing DSI are provided that use available tools and technology.

Address: National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research, Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oregon, USA. [email protected]

DOI: 10.1177/1084713807308365

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MeSH Terms: Activities of Daily Living, Age Factors, Aged, Biomedical Research, Cognition, Communication, Correction of Hearing Impairment, Cost of Illness, Deaf-Blind Disorders, Equipment Design, Hearing Aids, Humans, Life Style, Motor Skills, Persons with Hearing Disabilities, Practice Guidelines as Topic, Professional-Patient Relations, Quality of Life, Persons with Visual Disabilities