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<\/p>\nDual sensory impairment is the name for co-occurring hearing and vision loss. While both are common due to the natural aging process, they can also be the result of Usher\u2019s syndrome or other congenital factors, as well as head trauma.<\/p>\n
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While certain levels of both hearing and vision loss are normal in old age, the effects can still be debilitating. Researchers have linked dual sensory impairment to withdrawal from social interactions, poorer quality of life and depression in older adults<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cDual sensory loss is poorly understood, under-recognized and under-diagnosed,\u201d explained researchers from the study on dual sensory impairment and depression. \u201cThis is particularly the case in its mild form since it may be undetected by the individual, or onset may initially be in one domain at a time (vision or hearing deterioration).\u201d<\/p>\n The good news is that studies show people who treat their dual sensory impairment have a higher quality of life and lower risk of death than those who don\u2019t.<\/p>\n The first step in rehabilitation for both hearing and vision loss<\/a> is to diagnose the cause of the issues. A medical assessment from and ENT is often the first step in this process; then a patient will be referred to an audiologist<\/a> and an ophthalmologist for treatment.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen it comes to treatment, ophthalmologists and otolaryngologists\u00a0are the experts,\u201d explained Dr. Ying-Zi Xiong of the Gigi & Carl Allen Envision Research Institute of in Wichita, KS. \u201cAlthough treatment might not necessarily cure the vision and hearing conditions<\/a>, they can often slow down deterioration, stabilize the condition and relieve discomforts. Maintaining the use of residual vision and hearing is a great exercise for the brain and with time we become more and more efficient in using the visual and auditory information.\u201d<\/p>\n Nobody can control their family history, so if dual sensory impairment runs in your family, there may not be a lot that can be done. However, there are certain lifestyle choices that can factor into your vision and hearing health. Eating a healthy diet, engaging in regular exercise and not smoking can help preserve your eye health, and the best way to prevent hearing loss is to limit your exposure to loud noises and to wear hearing protection when necessary.<\/p>\n For more information about dual sensory impairment or to schedule an appointment, call Decibel Hearing<\/a> today!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Can Hearing Loss Be Reversed?<\/a><\/p>\nHow Is Dual Sensory Impairment Rehabilitated?<\/h2>\n
Can Dual Sensory Impairment Be Prevented?<\/h2>\n
Find out more about Hearing Loss<\/h3>\n