Deafblindness: a review of the literature

Abstract

Background: Deafblindness or dual sensory loss is a rare condition among young people, but more frequent among older people. Deafblindness is a heterogeneous condition that varies with regard to time of onset and degree of vision and hearing impairment, as well as communication mode, medical aetiology, and number and severity of co-morbidity.

Method: We conducted a comprehensive review of public health issues related to deafblindness.

Results: Deafblindness often lead to barriers in language and communication, access to information and social interaction, which can lead to a number of health-related difficulties. Some of the reported consequences are a higher risk of depression, cognitive decline, developmental disorder in children and psychological distress.

Conclusions: Deafblindness is associated with a number of health-related issues and more knowledge is needed about the impact of dual sensory loss to be able to offer the best support.

Keywords: Blindness; deafblindness; deafness; depression; disability; dual sensory loss; review; sensory deprivation; stress.