Published on Wednesday, February 15, 2012

When Vision and Hearing Loss Coincide

When Vision and Hearing Loss Coincide

Older adults who have trouble seeing low-contrast images may be more vulnerable to hearing loss, according to a new study published in Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics.

The California researchers studied 446 adults whose mean age was 79.9 years. They found a significant link between three measures of weak low-contrast visual acuity and moderate bilateral hearing loss. The authors of the report suggest that audiologists should include a brief eye exam for their patients, and eyecare professionals should consider performing a hearing test on their patients.

The researchers say that although most people can adapt to moderate loss of either vision or hearing, dual sensory impairment can be much more difficult, resulting in a significant decline in quality of life. In some people, this can lead to depression or deficits in cognitive functioning.

The study is preliminary and has been received with caution by the scientific community.

Source: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/757932

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