When a loved one is in their final days, family members often wonder how to connect with them—especially when the person is no longer responding.
One question comes up frequently: Can they still hear me?
The Final Hours: A Son’s Question
A palliative care doctor steps into a quiet hospital room where a son sits beside his dying father. Overnight, the patient had stopped responding. His breathing had also changed, all signs the doctor had told the family to look out for as indictors of time being very short.
“Could it be at any point now?” the son asked.
“I would plan on that being the case,” the doctor gently confirmed.
The son hesitated. “So what should I do now?”
“What were you doing before?” the doctor asked.
“I was talking to him, reading the paper to him…” the son replied. “But that seems silly now. I mean… he can’t hear me at this point, right?”
The doctor shook his head. “I wouldn’t say that. Research tells us that our sense of hearing is incredibly robust, even in the last days of life. Even though your dad isn’t responding anymore, I would presume he can still hear you.”
Reassured, the son nodded.
“Keep talking to him,” the doctor continued. “and if there’s anything you still need to say to him, go ahead and do it. He’ll hear it.”
The son turned back to his father. “Hey, Dad, I just wanted to make sure you know…”
The Science Behind Hearing at End of Life
Several studies have provided evidence that people can still hear even when they appear unconscious. One of the most commonly cited studies, published in Scientific Reports, used EEG monitoring to measure brain activity in unresponsive hospice patients. The findings suggest that hearing remains intact even in the final moments of life. (Read the study here)
This means that even when a person is unconscious, they may still be aware of the sounds around them.
What This Means for Families
For those keeping vigil at a loved one’s bedside, this knowledge is powerful. It means:
- Your words matter. Even if the person does not respond, they may still hear and find comfort in your voice.
- It’s never too late to say what’s in your heart. If there are things left unsaid, this is still a meaningful time to express them—not just for the dying person, but for your own sense of peace.
- Creating a peaceful environment is important. Playing familiar music, speaking in a soothing tone, or simply sitting in quiet presence can all be ways to offer comfort.
Final Thoughts
In the tender moments at the end of life, families often struggle with what to do. But sometimes, the simplest acts—talking, reading, sharing stories—are the most meaningful. A dying person may not be able to respond, but they are still present in a profound way.
So if you find yourself at a bedside, unsure of what to say, just speak from the heart. There’s a good chance your loved one can hear you, and either way, it’s never too late to say what you need to say.