Vision

• Decreased visual acuity
• Macular degeneration
• Cataracts
• Glaucoma
• Rigidity of lens
• Decreased lacrimal secretions (tears)
• Decreased number of cones in the retina

Smell

• Loss of sense of smell and taste

Hearing

• Sensorineural/Conductive hearing decline
• Hearing disorders
• Tinnitus
• Vertigo
• Otitis media (middle ear infections)
• Decreased elasticity of tympanic membranes

Potential Resulting Conditions

• Partial or complete blindness
• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Partial or complete hearing loss or presbycusis (age related hearing loss)
• Infections

Vision

• Visual changes increase discomfort in the elderly
• Retinal detachment due to accidental or self injury can occur
• Decreased vision leads to loss of functional independence
• Environmental safety concerns can be related to vision loss
• Emotional impact (e.g. depression) related to vision loss may occur
• An increased risk of falls and injury r/t vision loss may occur
• Social and recreational participation may be a result of vision decline

Smell

• Decline in smell can negatively impact a stable nutritional state
• The inability to taste food may result in appetite decline
• Emotional stability can be negatively impacted

Hearing

• Increased risk of potential for foreign objects in ears
• Increased infections
• Increased cerumen impaction (wax build-up) may affect hearing acuity
• Increased risk of falls /other accidents due to impaired hearing
• Pain (resulting from ear infection)
• Behavioural changes related to hearing loss e.g. confusion, decline in communication
• Social isolation
• Depression
• Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis)