A person who’s deafblind won’t usually be totally deaf and totally blind, but both senses will be reduced enough to cause difficulties with everyday activities. The hearing or vision problems may be present from birth, but in many cases one or both problems develop gradually as a person gets older and they may not notice it at first. If someone you know has a combination of the signs on this page, it’s possible they have some degree of deafblindness and should seek medical advice.
Signs of a hearing problem
Hearing loss can occur from birth or may develop gradually or suddenly later on. Signs that someone may have a problem with their hearing include:
- Not hearing someone if they speak to you from behind.
- Being startled because you didn’t hear someone coming into the space you’re in.
- Needing to turn up the volume on the television or radio.
- Avoiding using the phone.
- Delay in responding to people talking to you.
- Trouble following a conversation, especially when several people are talking or you’re talking to someone you don’t know.
- Commenting that people are mumbling or speaking too quickly.
- Not responding to noises around you, such as a knock at the door or the doorbell.
- Having to ask others to speak loudly, slowly and more clearly.
- Having to lean in very close to hear what’s being said.
If someone already has a hearing problem – for example, they wear a hearing aid or use sign language – keep an eye out for signs of vision problems that could develop.
Signs of a vision problem
Vision loss can also be present from birth or develop later on. Signs someone may have a problem with their vision include:
- Finding it harder to see clearly in low light or bright light.
- Often thinking that you need new glasses.
- Not recognising people you know, especially in unexpected situations.
- Difficulty reading facial expressions.
- Not responding to someone smiling at you.
- Relying on touch to find and identify items more than usual.
- Having to hold books or newspapers close to your face.
- Having to sit close to the television.
- Holding your head at unusual angles.
- Bumping into or tripping over things regularly.
- Difficulty moving around unfamiliar places.
- Getting anxious moving from one place to another, such as from indoors to outdoors.
- Not looking directly at people or making proper eye contact with them.
If a person already has a problem with their vision – for example, they wear glasses, use a cane to get around, or have a condition such as glaucoma or cataracts – be alert for signs of hearing problems that could develop.