Vision and hearing loss in older adults: "Double trouble".
Recent studies indicate that by age seventy, 21% of the people living in the United States have both vision and hearing loss. Dual sensory loss in the elderly has a significant effect on an individual's ability to socialize, communicate with others, and live independently. This article addresses the issues faced by older individuals who are hard of hearing and blind or visually impaired. Common causes and behavioral signs of hearing and vision loss are discussed. An emphasis is placed on the functional implications of the dual sensory impairment and possible accommodations and communication strategies are outlined
Berry
Paige
P
Older Adult Program, Helen Keller National Center, Sands Point, NY, USA. hkncpaigeoap@aol.com
Mascia
John
J
Steinman
Bernard A
BA
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000473:pathology; D003143:Communication Devices for People with Disabilities; D015897:Comorbidity; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D019986:Persons with Hearing Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*; D011304:Presbycusis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D011305:Presbyopia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D015995:Prevalence; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D011788:Quality of Life; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D019987:Persons with Visual Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*