Gerontological Nursing: Communicating with Hearing-Impaired Patients

Cloudy or blurred vision

Determine the type and degree of visual loss

Removing all rugs and objects that could be potentially hazardous

Increased anxiety and feelings of isolation

Providing sufficient lighting for activities and reading

Systemic changes in circulation, accumulation of cellular waste products, atrophy of tissue, and growth of abnormal blood vessels in the choroid layer beneath the retina.

Magnifiers, Telescopes, electronic magnification via CCTV, software that converts text into AI voice output, AI Smart Glasses, Bone Conduction Headphones, Braille Keyboards, Braille Displays, and Audio Labelers.

Decreased function, miscommunication, depression, falls, loss of self-esteem, safety risks, poor cognitive function, and increased health service use.

Failures in clinical communication are considered the leading cause of medical errors, which can have severe consequences for older adults with hearing impairment.

To improve functional ability and independence, despite vision loss.

Speaking clearly is an effective communication strategy, and it is important because it helps the patient to understand the message more accurately.

Increase the proportion of adults who have had a hearing exam within the last 5 years.

The video illustrates how, at a distance, we only see the broad strokes of an image, similar to how people with age-related macular degeneration perceive their surroundings.

Visual rehabilitation strategies are essential in helping patients with low vision to adapt to their condition and maintain independence, and they can significantly improve their quality of life.

One consequence of untreated hearing impairment is social isolation, and gerontological nurses can intervene by promoting the use of hearing aids and other assistive devices, as well as providing support and education to patients and their families.

The damage to the optic nerve in glaucoma is irreversible, and regenerative attempts have been unsuccessful. Therefore, early diagnosis is essential to prevent further vision loss.

Smaller eyes and Asian ethnicity are two key factors that can contribute to the development of Angle-closure glaucoma. The angle of the iris causes obstruction of the aqueous humor through the trabecular network.

Diabetic retinopathy occurs in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, and almost all people with type 1 diabetes will eventually develop retinopathy. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to vision loss due to bleeding from abnormal retinal blood vessels, causing the appearance of 'floating' spots.

Key considerations include ensuring adequate lighting, minimizing noise and distractions, and promoting a calm and soothing environment. Gerontological nursing interventions can promote visual rehabilitation by identifying potential side effects and adverse reactions of treatment and implementing strategies to mitigate them.

Untreated glaucoma can lead to irreversible vision loss, impaired peripheral vision, and decreased quality of life. Early intervention and visual rehabilitation strategies can promote better outcomes by preserving vision, promoting independence, and enhancing overall well-being.

The prevalence of AMD increases drastically with age, with more than 15% of White women older than age 80 years having the disease.

The goal is to provide access to screenings and eye examinations, and timely treatment is essential to reverse vision loss and improve vision, especially if the detachment is repaired before the macula detaches.

The environment can be adapted by providing sufficient lighting, removing hazardous objects, and keeping essential items within easy reach, which enables patients to carry out activities safely and independently.

AMD affects Whites and Asian Americans more than African Americans or Hispanics/Latinx, which suggests that healthcare providers should be aware of these disparities and provide targeted interventions.

Untreated retinal detachments can lead to permanent vision loss, but surgical treatment can successfully treat more than 90% of individuals, especially if the detachment is repaired before the macula detaches.

Some of the additional safety measures that individuals with impaired vision may be required to implement while driving include no freeway driving, an additional right side mirror on a vehicle, no nighttime driving, time of day restrictions, geographic area restrictions, and wearing bioptic telescopic lens when driving. The primary purpose of these measures is to ensure the safety of the driver and others on the road.

The likely cause of Mr. Spencer's hearing loss is continuous exposure to loud noises during his 40 years of working as a laborer in an automotive factory, as well as age-related hearing loss. To prevent it, he could have worn hearing protection devices such as earplugs or earmuffs while working in the factory, and also taken regular breaks in quiet areas to give his ears a rest.

Some resources available to individuals with impaired vision include the National Braille Association, American Foundation for the Blind, and Blinded Veterans Association. These resources can provide individuals with access to assistive devices, training, and support to help them maintain their independence and quality of life.

Some of the consequences of hearing impairment in older adults include social isolation, depression, and decreased quality of life. Gerontological nurses can intervene by educating patients on the importance of hearing aids, providing communication strategies, and encouraging patients to seek professional help for hearing loss.

Some visual rehabilitation strategies that can be used to help individuals with age-related macular degeneration include the use of assistive devices such as magnifying glasses, telescopic lenses, and adaptive technology. The primary goal of these strategies is to help individuals with AMD maintain their independence and quality of life by adapting to their vision loss.

Aging is the primary reason for the high prevalence of presbyopia among individuals older than 65 years. It can be managed by wearing glasses for close vision, having a comprehensive eye exam, and adopting a healthy lifestyle.

A diet rich in green leafy vegetables, fruit, and fish can help protect eye health. These foods are rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.

Protecting eyes from UV radiation is important to reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration. It can be achieved by wearing shades and protective eyewear, especially during outdoor activities.

Regular eye exams can help detect age-related macular degeneration early, and prevent vision loss. They should be performed every 2-3 years for individuals older than 65 years.

The common symptoms of cataracts include opacification of the lens, loss of lens transparency, and scatter light. They can be managed by assessing the patient's ability to see and perform activities, and performing interventions such as surgery or lens replacement.

Gerontological nurses play a crucial role in promoting eye health among older adults by educating them on eye care, performing regular eye exams, and providing interventions such as assistive devices and visual rehabilitation strategies.

The consequences of untreated hearing impairment in older adults include social isolation, depression, and decreased quality of life. Gerontological nurses can intervene by providing hearing aids, educating on communication strategies, and promoting healthy hearing habits.

The key components of visual rehabilitation strategies for individuals with low vision include assessing the individual's needs, providing assistive devices, and educating on adaptive techniques. They can be implemented by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including gerontological nurses and optometrists.

Assistive devices such as magnifying glasses, telescopic lenses, and Braille can help individuals with low vision or blindness to perform daily tasks and maintain independence. They can be used to enhance vision, improve mobility, and increase quality of life.

Workplace eye safety is important to prevent eye injuries and vision loss. It can be promoted by providing protective eyewear, educating on eye safety, and implementing safety protocols.