Presbycusis
Hearing Loss increased with age, a gradual decline
Conductive Hearing Loss
Sound is not transmitted to inner ear due to blockage in the external ear—Reversible
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Due to changes in the inner era and damage to the nerve, there is a loss of hearing—-Irreversible
What are some Ototoxic Medications used by Older Adults
Furosemide, Vanco, NSAIDS
Non-modifiable RF for Hearing Loss
- Males
- Increased Age
- Genetic Predisposition
Modifiable RF for Hearing Loss
- Impacted Cerumen
- Ototoxic Meds
- Medical Conditions
- Smoking
- Exposure to Noise
Tinnitus Def
Ringing in ears, an early symptom of hearing loss
As we get older what happens to eyes
Lenses get cloudy that interferes with vision
Age related changes with vision impairment
- Can cause mild visual impairment
- Presbyopia - Loss of accommodation
- Diminished acuity
- Delayed dark and light adaption
- Increased sensitivity to glare
- Reduced Visual Field
- Diminished Depth Perception
- Altered Color vision
Visual Impairment Def
Vision loss that cannot be corrected by glasses, not like astigmatism
Cataracts def and sxs
Characterized by cloudy, dim or blurred vision, ↑sensitivity to glare, ↓contrast sensitivity, double vision, seeing halos around bright lights
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Leading cause of severe vision
impairment in developed countries. Result of macular druse deposits
Two types of AMD
DRY: more common in older adults, there are yellow/white spots on retina due to lipid accumulation
Wet: Growth of RBC that leaked to hemorrhages
Glaucoma Def
Group of ocular conditions characterized by optic nerve damage caused by abnormal aqueous humor build-up in the eye
3 sxs of glaucoma
Increased IOP
Optic nerve damage
Visual field loss
Hearing Aids Care Steps
- Do not use alcohol
- Use a soft cloth
- Gently brush the hearing aid clean
- Brush the earmold clean
- Wipe down the hearing aid and earmold gently with soft cloth
- Wash earmold with warm water and soft if needed
- Dry earmold completely before reattaching the hearing aid
- Do not use chemical cleaners
- Keep fresh batters available
- Clean weekly
- Avoid dropping
- Remove the battery or turn off when not in use
