Sensory Perception in Older Adults: Vision and Hearing

Vocabulary flashcards covering key sensory changes in older adults, focusing on vision and hearing, glaucoma, cataracts, AMD, and communication considerations.

Sensory deprivation

Reduction or loss of environmental stimuli leading to decreased sensory input, common in new or isolated spaces (e.g., hospital rooms, long-term care).

Environmental stimuli

External cues such as people, conversations, pictures, and activities that provide sensory input and engagement.

Sensory stimulation

Deliberate provision of stimuli to engage the senses and prevent deprivation (e.g., talking with patients, showing photos).

Intraocular pressure (IOP)

Fluid pressure inside the eye; normal range approximately 10–21 mmHg.

Normal IOP range

Typically 10–21 mmHg; pressures above 21 mmHg may indicate risk to the optic nerve.

Primary open-angle glaucoma

Most common glaucoma type; gradual, painless increase in IOP due to impaired drainage, leading to gradual peripheral vision loss.

Primary angle-closure glaucoma

Acute, rapid rise in IOP; ocular emergency with severe pain, halos, blurred vision, and nonreactive pupils.

Timolol (beta-blocker eye drops)

Eye drops that reduce aqueous humor production to lower IOP; can cause systemic bradycardia or hypotension.

Pilocarpine

Cholinergic eye drop that constricts the pupil to improve aqueous outflow; may cause blurred vision.

Glaucoma risk factors

Age, diabetes, hypertension, ocular trauma; risk increases with aging and other systemic factors.

Cataracts

Clouding of the eye lens causing blurred vision; often brownish-yellow hue; usually painless; risk factors include aging, UV exposure, diabetes, corticosteroid use; treatment is surgical removal.

Dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD)

Macular degeneration due to reduced retinal blood flow, leading to central vision loss over time; usually painless.

Wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD)

Macular degeneration with abnormal new blood vessel growth under the retina causing leakage and central vision distortion; laser therapy may slow progression; not curative.

Presbycusis

Age-related bilateral hearing loss from degeneration of the cochlear nerve, reduced elasticity, and diminished blood supply; gradual and often unnoticed.

Conductive hearing loss

Hearing loss due to problems in the outer or middle ear (e.g., earwax buildup, fluid); typically reversible with treatment.

Sensorineural hearing loss

Hearing loss from inner ear or auditory nerve damage; often permanent; linked to noise exposure, aging, or ototoxic medications.

Ototoxic medications

Drugs that damage the inner ear, causing hearing loss or tinnitus (examples include certain antibiotics and other systemic meds).

Aminoglycoside antibiotics

Class of antibiotics (e.g., gentamicin) known for potential ototoxic effects.

Punctal occlusion

Pressing the inner canthus for 1–2 minutes after eye drop instillation to increase local absorption and reduce systemic absorption.

Communication strategies for hearing loss

Face the patient, speak clearly, sit at eye level, remove masks when possible to aid lip-reading, minimize background noise, and use visual cues.

Sunglasses/UV protection for eyes

Wearing sunglasses to protect against UV exposure and support eye health, particularly after eye procedures.