Medically reviewed by Raven Pellegrino, MSN, RN, CNE

Regular hearing and vision checkups are essential for seniors, helping catch small issues before they become serious problems. As we age, our senses naturally change—but early detection makes all the difference. After all, being able to see and hear clearly helps you stay active, independent, and connected to the world around you.

Hearing loss affects 1 in 3 seniors.¹ Changes in the ability to hear or see may also be a warning of a more serious underlying condition. For instance, vision problems may indicate diabetes.

What are common eye problems for older adults?

Seniors, especially those over 60, need to see an eye doctor every year. Loss of vision may be gradual, but in some cases, eye conditions can have no symptoms at all. While some vision problems may be corrected or reversed with medicine or surgery, others become progressively worse and can only be managed.

Here are the most common eye problems for seniors.²

Cataracts

Cataracts are a common occurrence, with more than 50% of seniors over 80 either suffering from cataracts or having already had cataract surgery.³ Cataracts can cause cloudy or hazy vision in one or both eyes, making it difficult to see in low light or while driving at night. Surgery is common and effective in restoring vision.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

AMD harms the macula, the center of the retina, causing loss of sharp, central vision. It makes tasks like reading, driving, watching TV, and recognizing faces harder, but side (peripheral) vision usually stays normal.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve and slowly steal side vision, often in both eyes. It’s usually painless and may not show signs until vision is already lost. Risk is higher with a family history, in African Americans, and in older adults. Without treatment, glaucoma can cause blindness.

Retinal detachment

This occurs when the retina pulls away from the tissue beneath it, often due to age-related changes in the gel inside the eye. It can also follow injury, advanced diabetes, or inflammation. Without quick treatment, retinal detachment may cause permanent vision loss.

Diabetic retinopathy

Seniors with uncontrolled diabetes have a risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. This occurs when tiny blood vessels in the retina are damaged. They can leak fluid and blood, causing swelling and blurry vision, often in both eyes. If untreated, this condition can lead to blindness.

Hearing loss in seniors

Hearing loss, called presbycusis, becomes more common as we get older. About 1 in 3 people over age 60 have some hearing loss, and about 1 in 2 people over age 85 experience hearing loss. This happens slowly over time because of changes in:

• Blood flow and the tiny parts of the inner ear
• The hearing nerve
• How the brain processes speech and sounds

Presbycusis usually starts with trouble hearing high-pitched sounds. Many people first notice small changes, like needing to turn up the TV volume a little more.

Common signs include:

• Trouble hearing soft voices or children’s voices
• Difficulty understanding speech when there is background noise
• Feeling like people are mumbling or that speech isn’t clear

Other things can make hearing loss worse, such as:

• Diabetes
• Poor circulation
• Long-term noise exposure
• Certain medications

Leaving hearing loss untreated can lower quality of life. It can lead to feelings of sadness, depression, anxiety, and stress. It can also make thinking and memory harder over time and put a strain on social life.

How often should seniors have hearing exams?

Unlike eye exams, hearing exams happen at a different pace from a young age up to retirement years. Usually, hearing exams are given at school or in work situations, but generally most adults don’t schedule regular hearing exams.

So, how often should older adults have their hearing checked? It’s generally recommended that adults aged 50 to 64 years schedule an exam every five years after an initial baseline test. After 65, seniors will want to see an audiologist every 1 to 3 years to check hearing.⁴

Why are exams important?

Beyond the obvious reasons that good hearing and vision lead to greater freedom for seniors, hearing and vision exams directly affect specific lifestyle choices, like driving.

To keep senior drivers safe on the roads

For seniors whose lifestyles may naturally grow increasingly limited or less active, driving remains a vital part of life. Hearing and vision changes can greatly affect the ability to judge distance or recognize signs and may increase chances of accident or injury. Regular eye and hearing exams are necessary for senior drivers for many reasons, especially to stay safe on the road.

To learn smart eye-care routines

Good eye health has more to do with just the eye itself. Food, lifestyle, and regular checkups can also influence vision health.⁴

Nutrition tips

• Eat leafy greens and colorful produce (spinach, kale, carrots)
• Include omega-3s (salmon, flaxseeds)
• Incorporate zinc and Vitamins C and E
• Stay hydrated for tear production

Protect against sun damage (and loud noises)

• Wear sunglasses with 100% UVA/UVB protection
• Use a wide-brimmed hat
• Apply sunscreen when spending time outdoors (including on the eyelids)
• Protect hearing in loud environments (e.g., with noise-canceling headphones)

Seniors over 60 should talk with their Conviva primary care doctor about hearing and eye exams. Prioritize annual eye and hearing exams to enhance well-being and independence, knowing early detection supports connection with your loved ones and cherished activities.

Disclaimer:

This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional advice. For personalized guidance, we encourage you to consult a qualified professional.

Sources:

• “The Importance of Annual Eye and Hearing Exams for Seniors,” Promise Care, last accessed October 13, 2025, https://promisecare.com/the-importance-of-annual-eye-and-hearing-exams-for-seniors/
• “Senior Vision over 60 Years of Age,” American Optometric Association, last accessed October 13, 2025, https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-health-for-life/senior-vision
• “Cataracts,” National Eye Institute, last accessed October 13, 2025, https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/cataracts
• “Seniors and Hearing Loss,” The American Academy of Audiology, last accessed October 13, 2025, https://www.audiology.org/consumers-and-patients/seniors-hearing-loss/