Simulating Sight and Hearing Loss
This page provides descriptions and video simulations of various eye conditions and hearing loss often experienced by individuals with different types of deafblindness. You can use the contents below to navigate to specific sections and videos:
Retinitis Pigmentosa
Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is a rare, inherited disorder that leads to the gradual degeneration of the retina, impairing vision over time. Early symptoms include difficulty seeing in low light and reduced peripheral vision, which may eventually result in tunnel vision.
A related condition, Usher Syndrome, follows a similar pattern of RP. More information about Usher Syndrome can be found on our Usher Syndrome page.
On the right is a video simulating the experience of someone with RP navigating a busy road in London, showing the progressive decline in eyesight over time.
Used with Permission: Alice Pugini
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is an eye condition that primarily affects older adults, leading to a gradual loss of central vision while keeping peripheral vision intact. Early symptoms include blurred vision or a dark, blurry area in the centre of the visual field. Over time, this can worsen, making it difficult to recognise faces, read, and see fine details.
On the right is a video simulating the experience of macular degeneration in a hospital, along with a sped-up example of how eyesight declines over time.
Used with Permission: Alice Pugini
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina, disrupting vision. Symptoms include blurred vision, floaters, dark spots in the visual field, and potential significant vision loss if left untreated.
To the right is a video simulating the experience of a person with diabetic retinopathy navigating a park, along with an example showing the progressive decline in vision over time.
Used with Permission: Alice Pugini
Cataracts
Cataracts develop when the eye’s lens becomes cloudy, gradually decreasing vision. Symptoms include blurry or dim vision, light sensitivity, and difficulty seeing at night. Over time, untreated cataracts can lead to significant vision loss, though cataract surgery is a common procedure to restore clarity.
To the right is a video simulating the experience of cataracts in a hospital setting, along with a sped-up version demonstrating the gradual decline in eyesight.
A special thanks to Alice Pugini for allowing the use of her simulation videos on this page. These videos were created as part of her undergraduate dissertation project, which evolved around visual impairment and the visual arts. To find out more information about Alice’s work or to get in contact with her, please visit her Linkedin page.
Used with Permission: Alice Pugini
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure in the eye. This damage usually begins with a loss of peripheral vision, which can progress into tunnel vision over time.
On the right is a video simulating the experience of glaucoma in the London Underground, as well as an accelerated version showing progressive vision loss over time.
Used with Permission: Alice Pugini
Currently 1 in 6 of the population has a hearing loss due to age or exposure to noise. There are two main types of deafness.
1. Conductive D/deafness
Affects the volume. Conductive deafness is when something stops the passage of sound from reaching the sensitive receptors in the inner ear. The most common causes are a build-up of wax or an infection.
2. Sensorineural D/deafness (or Perceptive Deafness)
Affects frequencies received. Sensitivity of the receptors in the inner ear is reduced or the auditory nerve itself is damaged. The most common causes are age, loud noise and genetics.
Hard of Hearing
Above is an audio recording that simulates a busy environment.
Listen to the list of words and write down as many as you can understand.
The recording has been filtered to recreate how someone who is hard of hearing may experience trying to hear while out and about in everyday life.
Get support for sight and hearing loss
If you or a loved one are experiencing sight and/or hearing loss, we can support you. There are numerous resources available to assist with rehabilitation and adaptation.
Find support and additional resources by visiting our [Rehabilitation Page] or contacting us on 0141 777 6111.