Nursing 109

N109: Foundations in Nursing Practice Study Guide of 154 Hearing impairment is the most common sensory deficit among older adults and its effects can be socially and psychologically devastating, leading to loneliness, isolation, anxiety, and depression, especially when associated with other sensory impairments. Sensory deprivation is the reduction of stimuli from one or more senses. Extended deprivation, such as that caused by hearing or vision loss, can lead to anxiety, hallucinations, depression, and antisocial behavior. Sensory overload is a condition that occurs when one or more senses are bombarded with stimuli and it becomes difficult to focus. Socioeconomic factors Higher education and income levels were found to be protective of sensory loss in later life. Lower status occupations (unskilled work) were related to sensory loss among those in middle adulthood and the elderly. Lack of resources can also affect access to healthcare and assistive devices. Environmental Factors Hearing loss caused by loud noises is called noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). It is more common for gradual hearing loss to occur from long-term exposure to loud noise than hearing loss from a sudden loud burst of sound. Long-term exposure to loud noises can cause permanent hearing loss. Although being aware of decibel levels is an important factor in protecting one’s hearing, distance from the source of the sound and duration of exposure to the sound are equally important. A reasonable instruction for the nurse to give patients is to avoid noises that are “too loud” and “too close” or that last “too long.” Exposure to fumes and toxic substances can also lead to sensory impairments. Sensory overload or deprivation can also be an environmental factor. Impact of Other Illness Sensory impairments can occur as a result of an illness. Diabetes mellitus and hypertension both have the potential to damage vision. Impact of Medications Medications can also cause sensory impairments as a side effect. Photophobia and ototoxicity are two potential side effects of various medications. Communication A hearing impairment will hamper the ability to communicate verbally because of the difficulty in understanding what another person is saying. Similarly, a visual impairment will hinder communication, too. Although able to hear someone speaking, the inability to see any non-verbal communication, such as facial expressions and hand gestures, may limit the extent to which the individual can communicate effectively with other people. Physical Condition Circulatory health conditions (hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease) are suspected to be risk factors for vision, hearing, and dual sensory impairments. ©2018 Achieve Page 80