Leadership in Healthcare: Sensory Loss, Factors, and Communication

This report delves into the multifaceted aspects of sensory loss, examining the factors that impact individuals with conditions such as sight loss, hearing loss, and deaf blindness. It explores how communication methods, including non-verbal, written, and technological aids, can facilitate effective interaction and enhance the quality of life for those affected. The report analyzes societal attitudes and beliefs, highlighting the importance of understanding and addressing discrimination. Furthermore, it investigates how environmental factors can be modified to improve communication and accessibility, such as reducing noise, providing visual cues, and implementing assistive technologies. The report also emphasizes the role of service provision, advocating for flexible and person-centered approaches to empower individuals and promote their independence. By examining these diverse elements, the report aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of sensory loss and its implications for healthcare and social care professionals.

Learner statement Leadership for Health and Social Care Learner Name:
Unit Title: 536 Understand sensory loss
Learner statement
Assessor
Use Only-
Assessment
Criteria Met
Learner to provide narrative under each statement of how they meet the criteria.
You must provide answers to each question that allow your assessor to properly assess what work duties
you are doing or what role you have within your work. It expected that you will need approximately 300
words per question. The more detail you provide the less likely your account will be sent back for more
clarification.
You must answer each question in your own words and written in the first person meaning “I do this”. A tip
is always to keep in mind the “who, why, how, where and when” in each answer.
INTRODUCTION
There are lots of people all around the world who are suffering from sensory loss. It basically occurs because
of dysfunctional sensation procedure and it can be an ineffective receptors, nerve damage or cerebral impairment. It
includes vision loss, hearing loss Anosmia, Somatosensory loss and Ageusia, etc. People who have some kind of
sensory loss have to face a lot of criticism and this way their life becomes stressful (Aparicio, Morales and García-
González, 2012). This report will be dealing with various aspects of sensory loss and the way medical practitioners
and society can help them in living a quality life which is free from any fear. They have to adopt different modes of
communication to express themselves.
Learning Outcome 1- Understand the factors that impact on an individual with sensory loss

1.1 Explain how you analyze a range of factors that can impact on individuals with sensory loss
Range
This may include:
1.1 Factors: Communication, Information, Familiar layouts and routines, Mobility
1.1 Sensory Loss: Sight loss, Hearing loss, Deaf blindness
There are lots of factors which can impact people with sensory loss. Individuals are sometimes not aware
about the sensory loss and this will lead them to social isolation and frustration. They will not able to communicate
properly with other people.
Communication is the area where individual who has sensory loss suffers a lot and has various issues
(Gierthmühlen and et. al., 2012). A common activity can bring stress and anxiety at high level. They face difficulty in
hearing what someone said to them so the feeling of inadequacy can come. They will not able to use mobile phones
and neither can they take part in any sort of communication. He or she starts feeling discomfort and those who are
not able to see or blind will not able to make face to face conversation and at the same time they will not able to
watch television also. They may face societal withdrawal and inferiority complex (Green and et. al., 2011). Whatever
factor have been discussed above can become worse if there is dual sensory loss. Hearing loss will affect the life of
the older people and they will lose interest in the day to day activities. They can miss out the crucial information from
the doctors, careers or family members. People use lips and face to face conversation and there are lots of negative
impact on the daily routine of a person who are suffering from this. They have to use speakers for the conversation
and face & lips are used for knowing the clues by speaker (Heyl and Wahl, 2012). This makes a person feel isolated
because he is unable to cope up with the life.
1.2 Explain how you analyze societal attitudes and beliefs that impact on individuals with sensory loss
Normally, there is thinking of people in society that those people who has sensory loss also lacks some sort of
understanding. This impacts them in negative manner and it is observed that normal people raise their tone to a
person who are suffering from a visual loss. The biggest disadvantage to them is that they face difficulty in finding
right employment opportunities. According to Equality Act and Disability Discrimination Act states that no employers
can discriminate the people with sensory loss and they have to believe that their disability will not impact their job. In
the day to day life people do activities which affects the life of the individuals with sensory loss. For example; they

park at a dipped curb or parking on the pavements and not leaving room to pass especially for someone who is
visually impaired.
Things has changed with change in time and now it’s not all negative. Society has changed a lot and this can
be observed in various transports like buses. Now, they are accommodating seats for the individuals who has
sensory loss and the dogs are allowed so that they can guide those people. Loop systems has been introduced in
the cinemas, theaters so that those who has hearing issues can listen to what is being said or shown. Now a days,
there comes loopholes in the TV while watching any entertainment movie or show (Ricciardi and et. al., 2014). There
is description of the audio which gives brief detail about the things which is happening. Scope, RNIB, BID are some
of the services which are there to give a support to the individuals with sensory loss. Opening of the new institutes
where training is given to the people who are suffering from sensory loss and this supports then top live in the
society a normal life. Friends and families can be a big support to them and all the individuals have to put efforts to
improve the quality of life.
1.3 Explain how would you explore how a range of factors, societal attitudes and belief’s impact on service provision
Range
This may include:
1.3 Factors: Communication, Information, Familiar layouts and routines, Mobility
Society's attitudes and beliefs influence on the service provision as there is belief that all individuals’ possess
some rights and they should be given proper respect. The support of the individuals gives them courage to live a life
with far more better way (Schneider, J. M and et. al., 2011). Social model of the disability gives support the idea of
person entered services. I will use the gift model to support different individuals who are suffering from the sensory
loss. The staff would have to fit in to the services not services according to the staff. They need to be flexible in
whatever they are doing. Any person will be focused and the services will be planned in a manner that gives control
over the services they need to support them to take back their independence and get the right support to assist them
to live a better life.
Those individuals who are suffering from any sensory loss are not treated well in the society. They might face
some discrimination and this has become one the concerned issue which has to be brought under limelight. There
are various hurdles which has to be taken care and need to be addressed. This is the service who ask them to work

in a team so that these hurdles can be overcome. One of the key issue which can impact this is the money because
I have to work and fulfill the conditions by taking care of the budget which is allotted to me. People who are coming
to me I will have to look at their conditions and can impact their health also. They might not get support and have to
wait for a longer period of time.
Learning Outcome 2- Understand the importance of effective communication for individuals with sensory
loss
2.1 Explain the methods of communication used by individuals with:
 Sight loss
 Hearing loss
 Deaf blindness
There has been a drastic change in the communication methods with the advancement in the technology.
Those people who are facing the issue of hearing loss can use various methods according to their preference.
Normally, non-verbal and written communication are the two modes which can help them to understand the things.
They get to know what other people want to convey either through watching or by cues (Yamins and DiCarlo, 2016).
Eye gesture, mouth expression, sign language, touch and etc. are the element which are part of the non-verbal
method. On the other side letters, photos, emails and etc. are some techniques which are included in written
communication. There are also some experts which uses lip speakers to make things understood to the people who
have hearing loss.
In the case of sight loss gossiping face to face or through using cell phones they can contact to the concerned
person. With the use of Brail system I can train them to know what the other person is saying. His message can be
easily understood by this system.
In the case of the people who are deaf and blind can use mixture of communication techniques. Touch,
gestures and facial expressions are the sensory method which can be beneficial to them. They can read and can
take action by using the Brail system and this include deaf blind manual alphabet interpretation (Aging changes in
the senses, 2017). In case related to children, tellatouch and tacpac can be used. Which method has to be used

depends upon the condition of each person. Sign language will be used if sight of the person is gone.
2.2 Describe how the environment facilitates effective communication for people with sensory loss
There are lots of factors through which issues of sensory loss is acquired and these are part of the
environment. If things needs to be improved I can bring small changes which will have wider impact (Dementia and
sensory loss: an introduction, 2015). I will make sure that I limit or reduce the noise made by the activities done by
me. Those who have the sensory loss can be guided through moving any furniture item. There can be color
difference which will help partially sighted people to make a difference. By contrasting environment the risk of injury
can be reduced to a large extent. This will also give them freedom to move around. To bring a normal life to the
people who who faces problem in seeing. For them large clocks and the larger telephone dialer button can be used
to make their task easy. Magnifying glass can be used to make print bigger and the people who are facing this issue
can be asked to visit low vision services (Dual Sensory Loss What is Dual Sensory Loss/ Deafblindness?, 2013). By
increasing the brightness and using proper light those with the partial sighting problem can differentiate the things
through lighting. Reducing the background voice and proper lightning will help the people who has the issue of
hearing and sighting. They can easily see the faces of individuals in proper background. I will put my efforts to bring
changes in the environment of the Adult Mental Health so that the communication barriers can be removed.
2.3 Explain how effective communication may have a positive impact on lives on individuals with sensory loss
There can be a great change in the lives and mental health of the people who are suffering from any sensory
loss through effective communication. By adopting various useful techniques of communication they can gain lots of
benefits (Dual sensory loss, 2017). They can maintain the social contact and can easily adapt into the normal life
which will bring quality living. We have to treat them as a normal person and make them feel that they are part of this
world only and has equal rights as compared to other. All those people who are suffering from sensory loss will be
aware about their rights which they possess according to law. I will make them aware that they have right of having
an interpreter during the admission at the health centers and they cannot be discriminated on the basis of their
disability (How to Control Your Balance, 2017). Common people also have to be aware that more interaction has to

be made to them through adopting certain methods of communication in which they will be comfortable. All these
activities will make them feel valued and they will build a confidence to go into the public and participate into the
social activities. They will also feel empowered, their social network will also increase thus they will have a lots of
friends forming relationship with them (Mollyanne, 2015). They can get to know about various opportunities they can
crab and this will reduce their dependence on another for any other work. There will be less chances that they will
face any harassment or abuse in the public platform. I will try to respect their privacy because I know they also have
dignity. We need to know their feelings and help them to express themselves showing their likes and dislikes. If we
get successful in making them realize their self- identify their moral will automatically go up. Those who are suffering
from the sensory loss will able to reduce the possibility of challenging behavior.
Learning Outcome 3- Understand the main causes and conditions of sensory loss
3.1 Explain how you identify the main causes of sensory loss
There are various factors which are responsible for the sensory loss and the most common of them all is the
ageing of the person. As we become old our senses become less and we loss it causing any illness. But in people
some things are from birth called as Congenital sensory loss. In this person was born with this sensory loss.
Glaucoma is the condition of eye and is caused by the optic nerve damage. The role of this this nerve is to
carry information from the light sensitive layer to the retina and after that it passes to the brain. It normally happens
because of the damage occurred in optic nerve (Older people, 2015). Both the high and low level pressure will
cause damage immediately and slowly respectively. Normally this happens to the people who are aged and old.
Diabetic eye is a disease which can happen during childhood but there are chances that it can begin in later
life too. A person suffering from this will have to face many complications to all the parts of the body specially eyes.
Although, it is not necessary that the sight will be affected by this but there are greater chances of it. If controlled in
proper manner it will prevent any problem that is likely to occur. It affects the eye that there will be complications in
the retina and the network of blood vessels lying within it. Such condition will be referred to as Diabetic Retinopathy
which is very severity.
Cataracts is the condition of the eye when clouds takes place inform of the eyes lens. For the clear vision it is
necessary that the lens must be clear because they helps us to focus on the light. In this situation, there will be

blurring of the lens like it has become the frosted glass. Individuals colour vision can be washed out or faded
(Sensory Loss in Care Homes: Diagnosis, Awareness, Response, 2013).
Sensorineural hearing loss also called as cochlear or inner ear hearing loss. There is damage in the cells with
are present in cochlea or hearing nerve. The main factor responsible for this is the ageing of the person and that can
cause presbycusis. Hearing the loud music will also damage the inner ear.
3.2 Define congenital sensory loss and acquired sensory loss
Congenital means that something is present from birth. This terms is used when someone is suffering from
hearing or seeing loss sight from the birth. Children who are born with the vision and hearing impairments face a
tough start. Almost communication becomes difficult to those who are suffering from this. It is the role of the family
members and teachers to make sure that they support them and encounter them. They have to use touch, balance,
taste and smell to get information regarding anything. They cannot enjoy their life without the support of others. In
this those who are born with sensory loss will find it difficult to get treatment of this because it is present from starting
when they were born (Understanding Sensory Loss, 2017). There are hormones which has not been developed right
from the birth.
Acquired sensory loss is the condition when the sensory loss has developed as the result of ageing, critical
injury or illness. If anyone is suffering from such disease they feel difficulty in doing activities which are related to the
day to day lifestyle. They will need glasses or they have to increase the volume of the TV when they are facing this
disease. For this they have to adjust their lifestyle and such as how they communicate, use the knowledge they have
so that they can live a better life. The diagnosis of the sight and hearing loss will have a certain emotional impact
and it is seen that those people who are suffering from this lives a better and independent life (What Causes Loss Of
Sense Of Touch?, 2017). Those who have acquired sensory loss can get treatment and there are chances that they
will get recover from it.
3.3 Explain how you identify the demographic factors that influence the incidence of sensory loss in the population
There are various factors which can influence the incidence of sensory loss in the people because it has

common that with aged people are facing the issues of hearing loss and unclear vision. The decrease in the life
expectancy and with sudden increase in the population of age group of 60 years old are has increased the chances
of sensory loss. Body is not adapting the changes in the lifestyle as the immune system becomes weaker after a
particular changes. Other factor which influence the incidence of sensory loss in the population is the working
environment of the individuals. If someone is employed or working at the places like factories, construction sites
where there comes lots of voices and sounds. This will impact their hearing and can cause hearing loss.
In the offices, if someone continuously works on the computers or visual display screens then there might be
chances that their eyesight may become weak. It is not necessary that sensory loss is due to the workplace factors
but it depends upon the lifestyle of population which can influence the incidence of sensory loss. For example; if a
person is smoking chances of sight loss and obesity. The chances for sensory loss in this gets doubled.
Individuals who are employed in nightclubs have to face loud music playing at that place and it affects their
hearing. Other than these poverty and stress can also be linked to the sensory loss because those who are suffering
from poverty does not get a healthy food which makes them more prone to the disease and their health goes down
(Maier and et. al., 2010). A person who is suffering from some sort of depression will feel marginalized or he will stop
eating a healthy diet.
Learning Outcome 4- Know how to recognize when an individual may be experiencing sight and / or hearing
loss and actions that may be taken
4.1 Explain how you identify the indicators and signs of:
When an individual comes to me for the treatment of certain disease or sensory loss. I will try to identify the sensory
loss i.e., sight loss, hearing loss and deaf blindness through the certain indicators and signs.
Sight loss
 Will face difficulty in identifying the colour difference;
 The sensitivity for the light will increase;
 If they are holding books and documents close to their face;

 Burning in the eyes and headache on regular basis;
 Reduced Night vision;
 Facing difficulty in minute work like the use of needle and thread;
 Difficulty in distinguishing the faces of the family and friends (Barnes and Finnerty, 2010).
Hearing loss
 When sitting in conversation in a room full of noises there will be difficulty in hearing properly;
 Urging people to repeat what they have said;
 When some other people are talking it feels like they are mumbling;
 At the house, finding difficulty in hearing the door well and the telephone ring;
 Any one of the ear will have a better hearing level;
 Feel comfortable in understanding the voices of adult than children;
 Feeling stressed due to focusing more into the things what the people wants to say.
Deaf blindness
 There will be no respond to sound or light;
 Have to rely on the touch to better understand;
 Brings a person to isolation and withdrawal from the society;
 They have to use senses, taste and touch to know different things around them;
 Have a personalised methods of communication;
4.2 Explain actions that should be taken if there are concerns about onset of sensory loss or changes in sensory
status
When the problem of sensory loss is detected or any changes in sensory status in a particular person the first step I

will take is to communicate their doctors. After the examination they will get to know that which specialist has to be
given this case. They have to undergo hearing and vision test (Stein, 2012).
I will refer them to audiologist or any ENT surgeon were tests related to hearing and on determining the
severity of the hearing loss. In this they can be given various options which are available in the centre of all options
available following are some of them:-
 Digital hearing aids
 Middle ear implants
 Cochlear implants
 Bone anchored hearing aid
 Auditory brainstem impact
Patient can be referred to the optometrist because it can be made so that further eye test can be done. This will
benefit those who has been just detected any sight problem and by this they can be treated properly and the further
damages can be avoided (Saunders and Echt, 2011). In this case the person who has diagnosed with the sight loss
can be given certain options that are as follows:
 Glasses;
 Prescribed contact loss;
 Eye surgery through laser.
4.3 Explain how you identify sources of support for those who may be experiencing onset of sensory loss
There are lots of sources to support for the individuals who may be suffering from the sensory loss or are on the
onset of sensory loss. Following are some of them:-
 Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB)
 Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID)
 www.actiononhearinggloss.org.uk

 Wales Council of the Blind
CONCLUSION
From the above report it has been concluded that Sensory loss is a major issue which needs to be addressed
by the medical supervisors all around the world. The hectic scheduled and the busy lifestyle of the population are
making them prone to the hearing loss. There are some of the cases which are presented from the birth of the
person only so that society have to make sure that are given equal opportunities and encouragement.
REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Aparicio, R., Morales, M. T and García-González, D. L., 2012. Towards new analyses of aroma and volatiles to
understand sensory perception of olive oil. European journal of lipid science and technology. 114(10).
pp.1114-1125.
Barnes, S. J and Finnerty, G. T., 2010. Sensory experience and cortical rewiring. The Neuroscientist. 16(2). pp.186-

198.
Gierthmühlen, J and et. al., 2012. Sensory signs in complex regional pain syndrome and peripheral nerve injury.
PAIN®. 153(4). pp.765-774.
Green, A. M and et. al., 2011. Crossmodal plasticity in sensory loss. Enhancing performance for action and
perception: multisensory integration, neuroplasticity and neuroprosthetics. p.233.
Heyl, V and Wahl, H. W., 2012. Managing daily life with age-related sensory loss: cognitive resources gain in
importance. Psychology and aging. 27(2). p.510.
Maier, C and et. al., 2010. Quantitative sensory testing in the German Research Network on Neuropathic Pain
(DFNS): somatosensory abnormalities in 1236 patients with different neuropathic pain syndromes. Pain.
150(3). pp.439-450.
Ricciardi, E and et. al., 2014. Mind the blind brain to understand the sighted one! Is there a supramodal cortical
functional architecture?. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews. 41. pp.64-77.
Saunders, G. H and Echt, K., 2011. Dual sensory impairment in an aging population. The ASHA Leader. 16(3). pp.5-
7.
Schneider, J. M and et. al., 2011. Dual sensory impairment in older age. Journal of Aging and Health. 23(8).
pp.1309-1324.
Stein, B. E. ed., 2012. The new handbook of multisensory processing. Mit Press.
Yamins, D. L and DiCarlo, J. J., 2016. Using goal-driven deep learning models to understand sensory cortex. Nature
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