Age-related hearing loss (also known as presbycusis) is a very common condition that can affect older adults. Some people also experience changes in their vision as they get older. When hearing and sight are affected simultaneously, it can disrupt daily life and make it more difficult to stay independent and safe. Let’s look at this in more detail.
Understanding Age-Related Sensory Loss
Age-related hearing loss usually develops gradually over time. At first, people may find it difficult to keep up with conversations, especially in noisy environments. High-pitched noises, such as certain speech sounds or children’s voices, may become harder to hear.
Alongside this, vision changes are also common in later life, including conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. These can make it harder to read, recognise faces, or navigate unfamiliar environments.
When both senses are affected, people can’t rely on one sense to make up for the other. This is called dual sensory loss, and it comes with a range of challenges.
Common Challenges and What Can Help
Communication Becomes More Complex
Usually, communication relies largely on both hearing and sight. We use hearing to understand speech and vision to read facial expressions, lip movements, and body language. When both hearing and sight are impacted, this can lead to misunderstandings in conversation, difficulty recognising who is talking, and reduced confidence in social situations.
What Individuals Can Do
People with both hearing and vision loss can use tools and new ways of communicating to improve communication, and speaking to a GP or healthcare professional can help guide you in the right direction. Some people benefit from using hearing aids, glasses, and other useful devices. Learning tactile sign language or other communication methods can also be helpful.
At the same time, make sure loved ones are aware of how to make communication easier. This might involve reducing background noise or asking people to speak clearly and face you when talking.
Emotional and Social Impact
Experiencing both hearing and vision loss can sometimes affect emotional well-being. Some people feel a range of emotions, from anger and frustration to sadness, as they come to terms with new changes. In some cases, people experience an impact on their mental health, such as anxiety and depression. Some people may withdraw from social situations as communication becomes more challenging, leaving them feeling isolated.
What Individuals Can Do
Following a daily routine creates structure and stability to reduce anxiety and make navigating daily life easier. Make sure you have a support network of friends and family around you, as this can help you feel less alone. Feeling connected to society through social activities, volunteering, local groups, or community organisations can also help reduce isolation and support your emotional wellbeing.
Seeking support from a mental health professional can help you unpack your emotions and learn coping strategies. There are also many charities that offer both emotional and practical support to individuals experiencing sight and hearing loss. This includes Leeds Sensory Services, which offers a range of specialist support services for residents in Leeds aged 16 and over who are hard of hearing, deaf, sight impaired, or deafblind.
Independence and Safety Considerations
Dual sensory loss can also affect everyday independence. Simple tasks such as shopping, reading, or moving safely around the home may become harder. At the same time, it can affect safety, so visual hazards and warning signs may not be seen or heard. Finding your way around unfamiliar places can become more difficult, and communication in public spaces might feel overwhelming.
What Individuals Can Do
While dual sensory loss can make everyday activities more challenging, there are many ways that people can stay independent and safe. This includes making the home safer by improving lighting and removing trip hazards. At the same time, using assistive technology, such as hearing devices and vibrating or flashing alarms, can help with safety. Support from family and friends is key here, as they can play a part in making communication easier, such as getting your attention before talking.
The Importance of Early Identification and Support
Because both hearing and vision loss often develop gradually, so changes may go unnoticed for some time. In the UK, people over 60 are entitled to free eye tests on the NHS. Routine eye tests don’t just look for vision changes, but they also detect eye conditions, like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, which don’t always show obvious symptoms at first. It’s important to catch eye conditions early before they progress to prevent vision loss and permanent damage.
Hearing loss can develop gradually; attending regular hearing tests is important. You can request a hearing test on the NHS, and many high-street opticians also offer them.
Conclusion
At Leeds Society for Deaf and Blind People, they respond to the expressed needs and aspirations of Deaf, hard of hearing, DeafBlind, Blind and partially sighted people.
The Society continually strives to improve access for the Deaf, Blind and DeafBlind communities of Leeds.
Article written by Rosie Buckley – Freelance writer