Beyond Hearing Aids: Home Alarm Systems

For people with normal hearing, sound is not only an important component of communication or entertainment. Audio alarms also let people know when someone is at the door, when an oven’s timer is up, or when an emergency such as a fire has been detected. In order to live independently and safely, people with hearing impairments must find viable alternatives to all of these devices.

Fortunately, a wide variety of options are available to people who cannot use traditional alert systems or alarms. There have also been impressive advances in hearing aid technology in recent years, allowing more people to hear common sounds like phones or car horns. To discuss technology that may benefit you with a hearing aid specialist, call HearingPlanet at 1-800-432-7669.

Alarms Designed for the Hard of Hearing

Today many products that were once only for the hearing are available in modified forms that deaf or hearing impaired people can use. If you or someone you live with has a hearing impairment, you may want to look into helpful devices such as:

• Smoke alarms: Since the 1980’s, smoke alarms have been available that use bright flashing lights instead of noise to alert people. Some researchers are even experimenting with models that use very strong smells like wasabi to wake sleeping people during a fire.
• Doorbells: Doorbells for the deaf may have one light near the door that flashes, or cause every light in the house to dim and brighten. Other models use vibrations to catch people’s attention, while some hard of hearing people simply need a louder bell.
• Baby monitors: Specially designed baby monitors can be a great help to parents with hearing difficulties. Some models have lights that flash when a baby’s cries are detected, while others can be connected to a lamp that will dim and brighten to attract attention.

These are only a few products that can benefit people with hearing loss. Our experienced hearing health counselors can tell you more about medical and technological options for the hard of hearing.

Contact Us

At HearingPlanet, we strive to connect hearing impaired people with effective solutions. To discuss your needs with one of our hearing aid experts, contact us at 1-800-432-7669.