title: Dual Sensory Loss in Older Adults: A Systematic Review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Combined vision and hearing loss [dual sensory loss (DSL)] is commonly experienced by older adults. The literature on comorbidities and outcomes associated with DSL in older adults is limited and thus a systematic review was conducted to explore the existing research and identify gaps in the evidence base.
  
  
  METHODS
  A review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews. Forty-two articles were selected for review.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Although several studies evaluated DSL and its comorbidities and impacts, few fully met the criteria for good study design. Reviewed studies primarily investigated DSL and its comorbidities using cross-sectional methods and varying methods of vision and hearing assessment. Many of the studies were large population studies that did not provide sufficient information to draw valid conclusions about the impact of DSL in older adults.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Studies focusing specifically on sensory loss in older people across a broad age range are needed to inform clinical practice so that DSL and its impacts in older adults can be identified and managed, leading to improved quality of life for this population.
authors: School of Allied Health, Department of Community and Clinical Allied Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3084, Australia. School of Primary Health Care, Monash University, Notting Hill, Victoria 3168, Australia. c.heine@latrobe.edu.au.
authors: Chyrisse
authors: C
authors: Heine
authors: School of Primary Health Care, Monash University, Notting Hill, Victoria 3168, Australia. RDNS Research Institute, St Kilda, Victoria 3182, Australia.
authors: Colette
authors: C
authors: Browning
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D034381:Hearing Loss; D006801:Humans; D011788:Quality of Life; D014786:Vision Disorders
keywords: Dual Sensory Loss; Hearing loss; Older adults; Systematic review; Vision loss