Rapid Hearing and Vision Loss in Stroke Survivors

Q: Rapid Hearing and Vision Loss in Stroke Survivors

Hello Arsen： Your father's symptoms may be caused by rapid brain degeneration or a secondary stroke. <br>He should be taken to a neurologist for a thorough examination to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. <br>Wishing your father a speedy recovery. <

Father's hearing and vision are rapidly deteriorating?

Hello Doctor: My father is 78 years old and had a stroke two years ago.
Initially, he had some mobility issues and was unable to speak, but after continuous treatment for six months, his mobility and speech have improved significantly, although he is more sensitive to cold and often needs to wear many layers of clothing.
However, in the past six months, his hearing has rapidly declined; he often turns the television volume up very high but still cannot hear clearly, claiming it is too quiet.
He also mentions that he cannot see clearly when watching TV or reading, suspecting that his presbyopia has worsened.
Additionally, he often slurs his speech and frequently forgets what he intended to say after being interrupted during conversations.
Doctor, could these vision and hearing deterioration issues be sequelae of the stroke, or could there be other underlying problems? Our family is eager to take him to see a doctor, but he is currently very afraid of going out and we are unsure which specialty to consult.
We would like to seek your advice first to prepare ourselves.
Thank you, Doctor.

A Sen, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/03/18

Dr. Liang Yinpan reply Geriatrics

Hello Arsen: Your father's symptoms may be caused by rapid brain degeneration or a secondary stroke.
He should be taken to a neurologist for a thorough examination to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Wishing your father a speedy recovery.
Changhua Hospital cares about you! Liang Yin-Pan, Geriatrics Department, 2019-03-19

Reply Date: 2019/03/18

More Info

Understanding the rapid decline in hearing and vision among stroke survivors is crucial, especially for caregivers and family members who are concerned about their loved ones. In your father's case, it is important to recognize that the symptoms he is experiencing—rapid hearing loss, difficulty seeing, and speech issues—could indeed be related to his previous stroke, but they may also stem from other underlying conditions.

Firstly, it is essential to understand that strokes can lead to a variety of neurological deficits, which may not always be immediately apparent. After a stroke, patients can experience changes in sensory perception, including hearing and vision. The brain's ability to process auditory and visual information can be compromised, leading to difficulties in understanding speech or recognizing visual stimuli. This could explain why your father is having trouble hearing the television and reading.

Moreover, age-related changes in hearing and vision are common. Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, typically affects the ability to hear higher frequencies and can lead to difficulties in understanding speech, especially in noisy environments. Similarly, presbyopia, the age-related decline in near vision, could explain his difficulties with reading. However, these age-related issues can be exacerbated by the neurological changes following a stroke.

Your father's speech difficulties, such as slurred speech or word-finding problems, could also be a result of aphasia, a common condition following a stroke that affects language abilities. This could explain why he sometimes struggles to articulate his thoughts or forgets what he was going to say during conversations.

Given these complexities, it is advisable to seek a comprehensive evaluation from a healthcare professional. A neurologist would be the most appropriate specialist to assess your father's condition, as they can evaluate the neurological aspects of his symptoms. Additionally, an audiologist can conduct hearing tests to determine the extent of his hearing loss and recommend appropriate interventions, such as hearing aids if necessary. An ophthalmologist can assess his vision and rule out any other eye conditions that may be contributing to his difficulties.

It is understandable that your father may be apprehensive about visiting a doctor, especially if he has had negative experiences in the past. However, emphasizing the importance of his health and the potential benefits of treatment may help alleviate some of his fears. You might consider arranging for a home visit by a healthcare professional if he is particularly resistant to going out.

In conclusion, while your father's symptoms may be related to his previous stroke, they could also be influenced by age-related changes and other factors. A multidisciplinary approach involving a neurologist, audiologist, and ophthalmologist will provide a comprehensive understanding of his condition and the best course of action for management. Early intervention is key to improving his quality of life and addressing these sensory deficits effectively.

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