One of my dogs Lucy is hard to wake up after sleeping and becomes startled easily if we approach from behind. Hearing loss or deafness may be a reason for this. There isn't a lot that can be done for age-related hearing loss, but a vet exam should be done first to rule out other medical problems, such as an infection, growth, or foreign body in the ear.
*If your dog does experience hearing loss, take care to protect him/her from hazards, such as cars and kids that s/he may not hear (or see). Dogs do learn and adapt well using hand signals to come, stay, sit, and so on. It is a good idea to "cross train" your dog early in life to recognize basic hand signals. C
Cody had Cloudy or "bluish" eyes - As they age, dog's eyes often show a bluish transparent "haze" in the pupil area. This is a normal effect of aging. Vision does not appear to be affected. This is NOT the same as cataracts. Cataracts are white and opaque. Vision can be affected by cataracts. Make sure to provide a safe place for your furry friend and don't move the furniture around once you have provided a safe path for your pet to go to and from.
So, think of all the things you may have changed in your life to give you a long and healthy life...let's do the same for our furry friends. They'll kiss you for it!