It is said that hearing and touch are the last of the senses to go before death. A familiar voice, speech, or song often has a calming effect on the patient. Whether the patient understands what they hear depends on their level of consciousness, which may fluctuate.
If the patient is unconscious, can they hear me?
A severely ill patient may not have the energy to communicate, but they may still be able to sense and hear sounds from the surrounding environment.
Updated 12.3.2026