The amount of hearing and vision that a person can access, as well as when these senses were diminished or lost completely, often determine how a person with combined hearing and vision loss communicates most effectively.

People who are blind and lose their hearing after learning to speak may be able to continue expressing themselves through speech. However, they will need to identify new ways to receive information.

People who are deaf and lose their vision after learning American Sign Language are often able to continue expressing themselves through signing. However, they may need to learn to receive sign language differently, such as through tactile signing or close vision signing.

Because no single communication option works for every person with combined hearing and vision loss, it’s important to identify the communication method that works best for the individual.