The Best Technology for People with Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can significantly impact a person’s life and ability to navigate our busy and loud world. However, technological advancements have led to the creation of great products and devices that can alleviate some of the barriers and complications those with hearing loss used to experience. So, we have rounded up a few of our favorite new technologies for those with hearing loss or impairments.
Advanced Doorbells: Today, there are many doorbell options for the hearing impaired! Features of these modern doorbells can include video cameras that allow residents to see who is at the door, compatible apps that will send alerts to the resident’s phone, and both flashing light and amplified sounds to better alert the resident that someone is at the door.
Captioning Apps: These smartphone apps can provide real-time captioning for in-person conversations and phone calls.
Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detectors for the Hearing Impaired: Along with the traditional sound alerts, these devices have strobe features so they can alert those who cannot hear. They can also be connected with bed shakers (disks placed under the mattress or bed that vibrate when activated by the detectors) to alert those with hearing impairments if they are asleep. The Red Cross will even install these technologies for those who cannot afford to purchase them.
TV Soundbars for Hearing Impaired: Unlike other speaker systems that amplify all noise, these soundbars work to make dialogue clearer and distinguishable from background noise.
Wake Up Light or Vibrating Alarm Clocks: Wake up light alarm clocks use light to simulate the sunrise, rousing sleepers naturally, just as the sun would. Like the smoke detectors, vibrating alarm clocks can include flashing lights and bed shakers to awaken hearing impaired sleepers.
For more tips on navigating hearing impairments, be sure to follow our Roanoke and Crozet Facebook pages. You can also find more helpful apps for those with hearing loss here.
