People with combined hearing and vision loss often become isolated because of communications difficulties.

People with combined hearing and vision loss live differently. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• People who are deafblind literally live in their own world much of the time because it is difficult to access information about their environment without hearing and vision.
• Communications challenges often isolate people with combined hearing and vision loss.
• New environments can be frightening or overwhelming.
• Many things can affect a person’s ability to access his or her remaining hearing and vision. As a result, communication strategies that work one day may not work the next.
• Safety is a constant concern.
• Communication presents many challenges. People who have combined hearing and vision loss often require special training.
• Family members, caregivers, educators, employers and coworkers, and health care workers will find it helpful to learn ways to communicate effectively with someone with combined hearing and vision loss.