Overview
Introduction
Age related sensory change is not a single diagnosis.
Age-related sensory change is not a single diagnosis. It may include gradual loss of high-frequency hearing, reduced visual acuity or contrast sensitivity, diminished smell or taste, and disease-related changes such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, or retinal pathology. The practical nurse separates an expected pattern from a dangerous change by asking about onset, laterality, associated symptoms, medication exposure, and effect on safety and function. Gradual, bilateral change may reflect aging, but sudden, one-sided, painful, asymmetric, or rapidly worsening symptoms require focused assessment and prompt communication with the RN or provider according to facility policy. Hearing and vision changes also increase fall risk, impair communication, reduce nutrition, and may prevent detection of smoke, gas, spoiled food, or other hazards.