Dual sensory Loss in Cornwall

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Cornwall, like most areas, will have many residents whose vision and hearing are both not as good as they used to be, typically from wear and tear due to ageing (sometimes referred to as age acquired dual sensory loss). However, most older people with this form of acquired dual sensory loss are not known to local services.

They may already have a recognized existing single sensory loss (sight or hearing) but with older people there is an increasingly significant chance they will start to experience dual sensory loss, especially from the age of 70, and which could lie undetected for some time after onset. We need to identify these people as soon as possible.

We are asking anyone in Cornwall with an interest in this subject to complete this short survey themselves, with their older adult service users, relatives or friends who are over the age of 65 to see if they have dual sensory loss.

This easy to use tool will help you as providers of services in care and/or health settings in the public, voluntary and independent sectors to identify older people with dual sensory loss who are using services.. If you work in care or health care, use it with the older person you support/are treating who you think might be struggling to see or hear. You can also use it with a family member. You must get their consent before taking them through the questions.

If the individual answers YES to 2 or more of questions 4 to 20 and 2 or more of questions 18 to 36, then it would be a good idea to get some expert advice on understanding and managing their sight and hearing. They should consider taking the following steps:

  • Complete this free on-line training for further information and advice https://hi-visuklearning.org
  • Arrange for a hearing test to understand the health of their ears and their hearing
  • Arrange for a sight test to understand the health of their eyes and their vision
  • If their hearing or sight is having an impact on their daily lives, contact Cornwall Adult Services department (0300 1234131) who may be able to offer advice and support

This survey has been produced by Cornwall Council with support from Hi-Vis UK, I-Sight Cornwall, Healthwatch Cornwall, Hearing Loss Cornwall, NHS Falls Service and Cornwall NHS.

Cornwall, like most areas, will have many residents whose vision and hearing are both not as good as they used to be, typically from wear and tear due to ageing (sometimes referred to as age acquired dual sensory loss). However, most older people with this form of acquired dual sensory loss are not known to local services.

They may already have a recognized existing single sensory loss (sight or hearing) but with older people there is an increasingly significant chance they will start to experience dual sensory loss, especially from the age of 70, and which could lie undetected for some time after onset. We need to identify these people as soon as possible.

We are asking anyone in Cornwall with an interest in this subject to complete this short survey themselves, with their older adult service users, relatives or friends who are over the age of 65 to see if they have dual sensory loss.

This easy to use tool will help you as providers of services in care and/or health settings in the public, voluntary and independent sectors to identify older people with dual sensory loss who are using services.. If you work in care or health care, use it with the older person you support/are treating who you think might be struggling to see or hear. You can also use it with a family member. You must get their consent before taking them through the questions.

If the individual answers YES to 2 or more of questions 4 to 20 and 2 or more of questions 18 to 36, then it would be a good idea to get some expert advice on understanding and managing their sight and hearing. They should consider taking the following steps:

  • Complete this free on-line training for further information and advice https://hi-visuklearning.org
  • Arrange for a hearing test to understand the health of their ears and their hearing
  • Arrange for a sight test to understand the health of their eyes and their vision
  • If their hearing or sight is having an impact on their daily lives, contact Cornwall Adult Services department (0300 1234131) who may be able to offer advice and support

This survey has been produced by Cornwall Council with support from Hi-Vis UK, I-Sight Cornwall, Healthwatch Cornwall, Hearing Loss Cornwall, NHS Falls Service and Cornwall NHS.

  • Please complete our short survey to help us understand the numbers of people in Cornwall who may be experiencing both sight and hearing impairment and how this impacts on their daily lives.  This survey will close on 30.12.21.



    Privacy Notice 

    We will use the information you provide to inform the Sensory Strategy for Cornwall.

    The Data Controller for the information you provide in this survey is Cornwall Council, New County Hall, Treyew Road, Truro TR1 3AY. Data Protection Registration Number: Z1745294. Once the survey has closed, your data will be held within Cornwall Council’s secure network and premises for up to 2 years. Access to your information will only be made to authorised members of staff who are required to process it for the purposes outlined in this privacy notice. 

     The survey results will be shared with partner organisations who are working with us on the Sensory Strategy for Cornwall.


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Page last updated: 13 Dec 2021, 02:55 PM