Disorders of the Eye or Ear: Case Study

Introduction

Nurses help in preserving the sight and hearing of their patients by; applying medication if ordered, educating their patients about the disorder, and promoting safety (Crews & Campbell, 2004). They also focus on relieving the client's pain and offering them preventive care.

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Signs and Symptoms of Eye Problems

Some of the signs and symptoms of eye problem include; recurring pain around or inside the eye, blurred, double or hazy vision, unusual sensitivity to light or glare and seeing sudden bright floating spots (Crews & Campbell, 2004). Other symptoms include; swollen red eyes, changes in the color of the iris, white areas in the pupil of the eye, and a sudden change in vision.

Performing Nursing Activities Associated with Assessing the Eye and Ear

Performing nursing activities associated with the ear and eye requires; provision of teaching for patients undergoing tests for the vision problem, performing a focused assessment for the disorders of the ears and the sight and assisting visually impaired patients to find resources that will maximize their vision (Crews & Campbell, 2004). It also includes giving instructions to the patient's spouse in ways which they will effectively communicate with their hearing-impaired partner.

Nursing Process with Disorders of the Eye or Ear

Nursing processes with disorders of the ear and the eye include; assessment including asking the client the questions of what is. This is followed by the diagnosis of the eye and the ear, planning by including the family and friends of the patient and then Nursing interventions including; application of medication, preventive care, education and safety (Crews & Campbell, 2004). The last step is evaluation, which is ensuring that the goals of the client have been met.

Signs and Symptoms of Selected Disorders of the Eye, Appropriate Medical Treatment and Nursing Interventions of each

Cataract-it causes a blurry vision when the lens becomes opaque and cloudy. Another symptom of this disorder is a decrease in color perception. The most effective treatment is the removal of the affected lens implantation through surgery. Nursing intervention for this disorder involves the provision of safety and proper education to the patient. The patient must be told of a period of visual adjustment after surgery.

Errors of refraction-this disorder mean that light rays fail to be refracted or do not enter the eye. The patient has difficulties in seeing objects at a distance, also nearsightedness or myopia. Some symptoms are; sudden loss of vision, changes in eyesight, and persistent headache. Nursing interventions involve proper eye examination and correct medication and education. Treatment includes ointments and eye drops.

Aids and Resources for People with Vision Loss

There are some federally mandated advantages for people who are visually impaired or legally blind. Low vision doctors and organizations help patients in regaining their independence through prescribing them visual aids that make them easier to engage in activities that other ordinary people engage in, and other options for reading such as; glasses, Braille, electronic devices and telescopes. The American Council for the Blind has offices in almost every state and is a membership organization for the visually impaired and the blind (Crews & Campbell, 2004).

Impact of Hearing or Vision Loss on an Individual and Family

Hearing and vision loss individuals are affected emotionally. Most need to find counseling and a support group to help them in moving forward with life. The individual need to develop skills that will enable them to live independently regardless of the hearing or vision loss. The family has to help them with managing households, grooming themselves, adhering to conversations and attending their training. This requires that the family adjusts their schedule by assigning themselves to these duties and tasks.

Signs and Symptoms of Selected Disorders of the Ear, Appropriate Medical or Surgical Treatment and Nursing Interventions for each

Meniere's disease-it affects the inner ear. The person experiences mild deafness and unsure of their footing. Deafness becomes severe and vertigo less frequent as the disease progresses (Crews & Campbell, 2004). Treatment includes lifestyle changes such as stress management, medication, and chemical ablation. Nurses manage these symptoms by reducing the frequency and severity of the attacks.

Tinnitus-it is hissing, roaring, buzzing and tinkling of the ear. Treatment includes cleaning of the ears using a curette, in case the cause is earwax. In cases of a tumor or a cyst, surgery is necessary. Nursing interventions include counseling of the patient and education to increase awareness.

Behaviors that may indicate that Mr. Callahan has a Hearing Loss

Mr. Callahan's family reported that during Christmas, they noticed he sat quietly in the corner and did not participate in conversations. He finds it hard following discussions when two or more people are talking. He feels that people at the facility always seem to mumble. Mr. Callahan focuses on Mrs. Sander's face and tries reading her lips.

Types of Hearing Loss common in the Older Adult

Hearing loss affects the ability of a person in receiving information and giving an accurate response. Older adults are affected by hearing loss, including; Conductive hearing loss, which occurs when sound waves fail to reach the inner ear. Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when the auditory nerve is damaged and is a permanent hearing loss ("Sensory Changes | ConsultGeri," n.d.). Tinnitus is also common in older adults and is described as a ringing in the ears, clicking, hissing and buzzing. It might be loud or soft.

Type of Hearing Loss caused by Impacted Cerumen

Conductive hearing loss is caused by a buildup of earwax or a punctured eardrum. It occurs when sound waves fail to reach the inner ear ("Sensory Changes | ConsultGeri," n.d.). It can be treated or restored through medicine or surgery.

Presbycusis Results in Difficulty Hearing Which Types of Sounds?

Presbycusis makes it hard for a person to hear what other people are saying or to tolerate loud sounds ("Sensory Changes | ConsultGeri," n.d.). It occurs due to changes in the auditory nerve.

The Prevalence of Hearing Impairment in the Older Adult

Approximately one in three people between ages 66 to 75 have a hearing loss problem. Almost half the population of older adults, older than 76 years have difficulties in hearing, with others having trouble hearing (McCabe, 2019).

Risk Factors for Hearing Impairment

Chronic stress-in the period of acute stress, the body adjusts to diverting oxygen to its muscles so that an individual can react more quickly (McCabe, 2019). If the body does not return to normal, other parts of the body, such as the hearing techniques of the inner ear are damaged due to lack of blood circulation.

Sleep apnea- It reduces the supply of blood to the inner ear, an intricate system that depends on oxygen to accurately process sound.

Hearing loss can also be caused by traditional cardiovascular disease, including stroke and myocardial infarction. Other factors include older age, male sex, and hypertension or high blood pressure.

Adaptive Techniques Staff Should Use When Speaking With Mr. Callahan

Right communication strategies are required for a person with a hearing loss, regardless of whether they are using a hearing aid or utilizing active listening strategies. The adaptive techniques the nursing staff should use when speaking with Mr. Callahan include; speaking slowly, clearly, naturally, distinctly without exaggerating mouth movements or shouting. The team could avoid using complex statements or talking rapidly ("Hearing Loss in Older Adults - American Family Physician," n.d.). The hearing-impaired person should be notified when a topic is changed during a conversation, and people should take turns speaking to avoid interrupting the speaker.

Environmental Modifications or Devices that will Enhance Mr. Callahan's Ability to Hear and Participate in Conversations

Appropriate visual conditions-these include; enough lighting for sign language and speech reading, accessible seating where he can see the speaker and an electronic transaction which provides both audio and text message.

A hearing loop- includes a receiver to be worn on the ears or a headset, or a sound source such as the telephone, microphone or public address system.

Cochlear implant- it is an implanted electronic device which produces impactful hearing sensation through stimulating nerves electrically inside the inner ear.

References

Crews, J. E., & Campbell, V. A. (2004). Vision impairment and hearing loss among community-dwelling older Americans: implications for health and functioning. American journal of public health, 94(5), 823-829.

Hearing Loss in Older Adults - American Family Physician. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.aafp.org/afp/2012/0615/p1150.html

McCabe, D. (2019). Hearing Screening in Older Adults. Retrieved from https://consultgeri.org/try-this/general-assessment/issue-12.pdf

Sensory Changes | ConsultGeri. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://consultgeri.org/geriatric-topics/sensory-changes