Understanding how combined vision and hearing loss affects spatial awareness
Dual Sensory Loss: Impact of Vision and Hearing Impairment on Spatial Localization
This study is looking at how people with both vision and hearing loss find sounds and see things around them, so we can help improve their daily lives and independence.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11128499 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the challenges faced by individuals with Dual Sensory Loss (DSL), which is the simultaneous impairment of both vision and hearing. The study aims to understand how these impairments impact a person's ability to locate sounds and visual objects in their environment, which is crucial for safe mobility and social interactions. By conducting controlled laboratory experiments, the researchers will measure spatial localization abilities under different conditions and develop a new method to assess these skills. The ultimate goal is to enhance the quality of life and independence for those affected by DSL.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing both vision and hearing impairments.
Not a fit: Patients with only vision loss or only hearing loss may not benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved rehabilitation strategies that enhance the daily functioning and independence of individuals with dual sensory loss.
How similar studies have performed: While there has been extensive research on vision and hearing loss separately, this approach to studying their combined effects is relatively novel and has not been widely tested.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xiong, Yingzi — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Xiong, Yingzi
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.