Healthy Ageing & Mobility
Vision and hearing changes as you age
Address vision and hearing changes to maintain safety, independence and quality of life.
Read with context
This guide is designed to help you ask better questions and make practical choices. It does not diagnose, treat, or promise a cure.
Common vision changes and adaptations
Vision naturally changes with age. Text becomes harder to read, adjusting to darkness takes longer and glare bothers you more. Conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration become more common.
Many vision changes are correctable. Updated glasses, cataract surgery, or medication can significantly improve quality of life and safety. Regular eye exams catch problems early.
Hearing loss and communication strategies
High-frequency sounds (birds, doorbells, speech sounds) become harder to hear with age. Hearing loss is common but often goes unaddressed due to stigma or cost concerns.
Modern hearing aids are smaller, more effective and less noticeable than older models. Even partial hearing restoration improves safety, social engagement and cognitive function.
Practical adaptations for vision and hearing changes
Improve home lighting, especially near stairs and reading areas. Use large-print books and high-contrast labels. Adjust screen brightness and font size.
For hearing, face people when speaking, ask them to speak clearly, and be honest about your hearing difficulty. Subtitles on television and video calls with visual feedback help.
Evidence and further reading
Sources
We prioritize official health bodies, regulators, and other primary sources when reviewing wellness guidance.
- 01National Institute on Aging — Vision and Hearing (opens in a new tab)
Guidance on age-related vision and hearing changes and adaptations.
