Dual sensory impairment
Dual sensory impairment refers to a person with both sight and hearing impairment. It is sometimes referred to as deafblind.
People may be born with a dual sensory impairment, or they can experience sight and hearing loss at any stage of their life.
Sight and hearing loss often come on gradually. In later life, people sometimes think this is a natural part of the aging process. This means it may go unrecognised in the early stages.
You can contact your GP. They can refer you to an eye or hearing specialist who can determine:
- the significance of your problems
- point you in the direction of gaining a greater understanding of your situation
- support you to register as blind, partial sighted or deaf
More information: NHS: Deafblindness
Getting support
- Sensory services can provide an assessment to discuss your sensory needs. If appropriate they can then provide a variety of advice and equipment to help you live safely and independently.
- Sense provides guide dogs, mobility and other rehabilitation services to meet the needs of blind and sight impaired people.
- The Macular Society is a national charity that specifically supports people who are deafblind. They produce free, easy to use resources for family members and staff that support people with dual sensory loss.
- Deafblind UK provide practical help, emotional support, help with technology, information, advice and even holidays to anyone who needs it.
- CHARGE Family Support Group is the registered charity for people with CHARGE Ayndrome and their families. Its aim is to create a positive, supportive network of individuals, parents, families and professionals to share ideas, experiences, information and give vital support.