Sensory Impairment Archives · Independent Living
Vision
Conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts and diabetes can all lead to visual impairment, in addition to the common effects of increasing age on the ability to read small print and process fine detail. In this section, you’ll find information about eye care, eye tests and common eye problems, as well as a range of low vision aids, from a simple magnifying glass to a talking clock, big button phones to voice-activated diallers.
Hearing
Hearing problems also often increase with age, and can also be caused by a range of conditions including tinnitus. Deaf and hearing impaired people can find the latest assistive technology products, including amplified phones, hearing aids, loops, alarms and alerts for those with hearing loss.
Speech
Loss of speech, or aphasia, can be due to a physical or learning disability, a condition such as cerebral palsy or autism, or as the result of a stroke. AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) refers to the various means of helping communication without speech.
The pages here are about eyesight, hearing, and speech loss, including services to look after you and a range of products to help if your sight, speech or hearing is impaired:
Eyecare, eye tests & common eye conditions
Aids to assist with poor eyesight and blindness
Aids to assist with impaired hearing and deafness
Speech aids
High-tech communication aids
Low-tech communication aids
