Vision and hearing after 60: the checkups that change everything
Topic: Health Basics
Reading time: 2 min
Vision and hearing changes can creep in slowly, so people adapt without realizing how much they’re working around the problem. Addressing them can be a big quality-of-life upgrade.
Signs it’s time for a check
- Turning up the TV or asking people to repeat themselves
- Struggling in restaurants or group conversations
- Glare issues, night driving discomfort
- More tripping or bumping into things
Why it matters beyond convenience
- Vision and hearing affect balance and fall risk.
- Hearing loss can increase effort and withdrawal from social situations.
- Straining to hear/see is tiring and can worsen headaches and mood.
Good goal: “I want to hear well enough that socializing is easy again.” That’s a health goal.
What to ask
- “How often should I get my eyes/hearing checked?”
- “Are there options beyond a standard hearing aid?”
- “Could medications be affecting my hearing or vision?”
Ask your clinician (starter questions)
- “What’s the most likely explanation in my case?”
- “What serious causes are we ruling out?”
- “Could any medications or supplements contribute?”
- “What’s the simplest next step?”
- “What should make me call you sooner or seek urgent care?”
If you want to prepare for a visit, try the Doctor Visit Checklist. For general support, browse Topics.