Impact of Hearing and Vision Loss on Quality of Life in Older Adults Living With Cognitive Impairment: A Scoping Review

Previous reviews have established that hearing and vision impairments are common among people living with cognitive impairment and that these comorbidities can exacerbate effects of cognitive impairments on cognitive, social and functional outcomes. This scoping review aimed to extend on this knowledge, by identifying and evaluating evidence regarding the effect of hearing and vision impairment on quality of life among older adults living with cognitive impairment, to: (i) determine if a compounding effect exists between hearing and/or vision and cognitive impairments; (ii) compare the effects on hearing, vision and health-related quality of life, and (iii) evaluate quality of life outcomes for hearing and vision interventions for this population. Seven electronic databases were searched systematically from inception to February 2026 for studies reporting quality of life outcomes among older adults living with cognitive impairment and hearing and/or vision impairment. Results were summarised then categorised by aim. Thirteen studies met inclusion criteria. The limited evidence suggests that (i) individuals living with comorbid vision and cognitive impairments may have substantially worse quality of life than those with either impairment alone, (ii) the effect is similar in size across different quality of life outcomes and (iii) sensory support interventions, involving counselling and assistance with device use, appear to be a more promising method of improving quality of life among this population. Further research is necessary to understand the relationship between hearing and vision impairments and quality of life among people living with cognitive impairment. Recommendations for future research include focusing on dual sensory impairment, utilising mixed methods approaches and inclusive selection criteria for people living with dementia. Further development and implementation of sensory support programs, codesigned with individuals with lived experience, is also recommended for improving the quality of life for people living with dementia globally.