Prevalence of Individuals With Deafblindness and Age-Related Dual-Sensory Loss

Introduction The authors of this paper have compiled a report on the prevalence deafblindness and dual-sensory loss based review existing estimates. purpose is to inform readers importance using consistent, well-researched definitions survey questions in future studies. Methods Articles were extracted through ProQuest EBSCOhost, online library databases Cambrian College Laurentian University. Keywords search included “deafblindness,” “dual-sensory impairment,” loss,” “age-related,” “congenital,” “acquired,” “prevalence.” Additionally, conducted with Google for research reports Scholar other relevant peer-reviewed articles. Results This provides current overview estimates age-related around world, examining 19 articles or published over last 20 years (2000–2020) 18 countries, including European Union (consisting 8 countries). In line by World Federation Deafblind global 2018, indicates an estimated 0.2–2% impairment underscores varying ranges among populations, studies age groups, types deafblindness. highlights that was often not comparable across studies, but it clear increases age. varied methods (e.g., population surveys, cross-sectional, longitudinal studies). Implication Practitioners evidence rates. Future may benefit from consistent definitions, standard data-collection tools do better comparisons identify factors predict higher lower rates populations groups.