Vision & Hearing Screen Calculator
A quick yes/no self-screen for common vision and hearing difficulties in older adults, with a prompt on when to get tested.
How it works
count "yes" answers within vision (3 items) and hearing (3 items) · any "yes" in a domain suggests booking a test for that sense
Age-related vision loss (from cataracts, macular degeneration or glaucoma) and hearing loss develop gradually and are easy to overlook, yet both raise the risk of falls, social isolation and cognitive decline, and both are highly treatable. Brief self-report questions like these are validated screens: a single "yes" to difficulty following conversation in noise, for example, is a reasonable trigger for an audiogram. This is a prompt to seek formal testing — an eye exam or audiogram — not a measure of how good your sight or hearing is.
Worked example
An older adult who asks people to repeat themselves and turns the TV up loud, but has no vision complaints, scores 2 hearing items and 0 vision items — a clear cue to arrange a hearing test while sight seems fine for now.
Sources: USPSTF — Screening for Hearing Loss in Older Adults
Frequently asked questions
How often should older adults have eyes and ears checked?
Many guidelines suggest an eye exam every one to two years after age 65, and a hearing check if any difficulty is noticed. Your clinician can tailor the interval to your risk.
Why does untreated hearing loss matter beyond hearing?
It is linked to social withdrawal, depression, higher fall risk and faster cognitive decline. Treating it — often with hearing aids — can improve quality of life and communication.
Can this tool tell me how bad my vision or hearing is?
No. It only flags whether you report difficulties that warrant professional testing. An optometrist or audiologist measures the actual level and its cause.
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Educational estimate only — not a medical diagnosis or a substitute for professional assessment. Screening scores and reference values are population tools; they cannot judge your individual health. Discuss any concerns with a doctor, nurse or pharmacist.