Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

As death approaches, what is the last sense to be lost?

1. Vision

2. Hearing

3. Taste

4. Touch

The correct answer is: Hearing

Hearing is typically considered the last sense to be lost as death approaches. Research has shown that many individuals retain some level of auditory perception even when other senses begin to fade or are no longer functional. This means that a dying person may still be able to hear voices or sounds in their environment, which provides an opportunity for loved ones to communicate with them during this time. Comforting conversations or familiar sounds can be significant for individuals who are nearing the end of life, reinforcing the importance of speaking gently and being present. Other senses, such as vision, taste, and touch, may diminish or be lost earlier in the dying process, making hearing a unique and lasting avenue for connection until the very end.