ORG03 Recognising Possible Dual Sensory Loss
When sight and hearing difficulties occur together, their combined effect can create barriers that are greater than either difficulty considered alone.
Five things to consider
Look at both senses together
Do not assume that a known sight difficulty explains every communication or orientation problem.
Notice reliance on one sense
A person may compensate for reduced vision by listening closely, or for reduced hearing by watching faces. A change in the other sense can remove that strategy.
Watch unfamiliar environments
New places can increase difficulty with orientation, communication and accessing information.
Check communication access
Consider whether the person can both receive information and respond in a way that works for them.
Record the combined impact
Records should explain how sight and hearing difficulties interact in everyday activities, not simply list two diagnoses.
Turning this into practical action
✓ Ask what works best for communication and orientation.
✓ Consider lighting, noise, positioning and accessible information together.
✓ Record combined functional barriers and successful strategies.
✓ Make sure staff do not treat sight and hearing as unrelated issues when they interact.
What this can look like in practice
A person with known sight loss starts missing information in group conversations after their hearing changes. Increasing print size alone will not solve the communication barrier; the combined impact needs to be understood.
Question for your organisation
Would your records show when combined sight and hearing difficulties create a new barrier for the person?
Important boundary
Dual sensory difficulties vary considerably. This resource supports recognition of functional barriers and does not replace specialist assessment.
Want to take this further?
Understanding the combined impact is an important starting point for coordinated sensory support. If this resource has highlighted gaps in your organisation’s sensory practice, Sensory Visionaries can help, from reviewing what you currently have in place to providing a structured approach through the Sensory Compliance System.