8.4 Lifespan Considerations

Newborn

Vision is not fully developed at birth. Initially, peripheral vision is used as their central vision develops.^[1] Hearing is fully developed, however, the middle ear retains some fluid in addition to the maturing hearing apparatus; this results in their ability to respond best to high-pitched, exaggerated sounds and voices.

Pediatric

Children aged 2–24 months commonly experience ear infections. Vision impairments may become apparent in school-aged children when they have difficulty seeing the board from their seats. The Illinois Department of Public Health works to prevent the detrimental effects of hearing and vision loss in children by implementing the Illinois Child Vision and Hearing Test Act (410 ILCS 205), which mandates vision and hearing screening programs for preschool and school-aged children. Screenings are mandated at specific age and grade levels and must be done by technicians/nurses trained and certified by the Department. These screenings result in approximately 1 million children screened annually for both vision and hearing.^[2]

Older Adults

As people age, various changes can occur in their eyes and ears. The aging adult experiences a general slowing in nerve conduction. Vision, hearing, fine coordination, and balance may also become impaired. Older adults may experience presbyopia (decreased near vision), presbycusis (hearing loss), cataracts, macular degeneration, or glaucoma. They may also experience feelings of dizziness or feeling off-balance, which can result in falls. Here are some common changes:

Eyes

1. Presbyopia: Difficulty focusing on close objects, typically starting around age 40.
2. Cataracts: Clouding of the eye’s lens, leading to blurred vision.
3. Glaucoma: Increased pressure in the eye can damage the optic nerve, leading to vision loss.
4. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Deterioration of the central portion of the retina (macula), affecting central vision.
5. Dry Eyes: Reduced tear production can cause dryness and discomfort.
6. Reduced Peripheral Vision: Decreased ability to see objects to the side while looking straight ahead.
7. Decreased Night Vision: Difficulty seeing in low-light conditions.

Ears

1. Presbycusis: Age-related hearing loss, usually affecting high-frequency sounds first.
2. Tinnitus: Ringing, buzzing, or other noises in one or both ears.
3. Earwax Buildup: Accumulation of earwax can lead to hearing difficulties.
4. Balance Issues: Problems with the inner ear can affect balance, leading to dizziness or vertigo..

These changes can vary in severity and may be influenced by genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors.^[3]