The National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) has developed a protocol to objectively measure visual and auditory function in Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older. The protocol includes vision tests for distance and near acuity, contrast sensitivity, and a hearing test using a tablet platform. The study found that objective measures were more effective in identifying visual and auditory impairments and had stronger associations with demographic factors. Overall, the study demonstrated that objective visual and auditory functioning can be successfully measured through an interviewer-administered home-based protocol.
