Study underscores need for dual-sensory rehab in patients with vision and hearing impairment

A recent survey of 161 individuals with varying levels of vision and hearing loss reveals how dual sensory impairment (DSI) affects independent travel. While vision loss has long been recognized as a major barrier to daily living, this study sheds light on its role, relative to hearing loss, in more complex activities like navigating public spaces.

Participants with low vision or blindness were significantly less likely to travel independently compared to those with normal vision. Those with low vision cited vision loss as the primary obstacle to travel, whereas blind individuals reported hearing impairment as having a greater impact.

Although 70% of hearing-impaired respondents used hearing aids and found them helpful for speech, many reported that hearing aids offered limited support for sound localization.

Reference
Reed P, Nemargut JP, Goldstein JE, et al. Impact of Hearing Impairment on Independent Travel in Individuals With Normal Vision, Low Vision, and Blindness. Trends Hear. 2025;29:23312165251347130. doi: 10.1177/23312165251347130. Epub 2025 May 29. PMID: 40438000; PMCID: PMC12123108.