What is the last sense to go as people near death?

Hearing is often regarded as the last sense to remain intact as a person approaches death. Research suggests that even in a state of reduced consciousness, individuals may still respond to auditory stimuli. This implies that they can still hear the voices of loved ones or sounds in their environment, even when they cannot respond or show signs of awareness. This enduring connection through hearing highlights the importance of communication and presence for those who are nearing the end of life. In contrast, touch, taste, and smell may diminish earlier in the dying process, as the body's systems begin to shut down and the sense perceptions become less acute.