Living with hearing loss may seem challenging, or even daunting, even if you’re a hearing aid user. Fortunately, when it comes to technology, there are many different options available to you or your loved that can help with daily activities, improving safety at home, and more.
Below are several devices and applications that can help you or your loved one with hearing loss perform everyday tasks and live safely.
Amplified Phones
Talking on a home phone can sometimes be frustrating for those with hearing loss.
Luckily, there are amplified phones for the hearing impaired that offer a variety of features, including large keypads, adjustable volume and tone, extra loud ringers and hearing aid compatibility.
Most amplified phones are hearing aid compatible, and traditional, these types of phones have 3 levels of amplification, based on the degree of hearing loss: Mild Hearing Loss, Moderate Hearing Loss, and Severe Hearing Loss. Other features include visual aides, Bluetooth connection, vibrating alerts, emergency auto-dialer, and more.
PRO TIP: When choosing between a corded or cordless phone, consider the user’s mobility and lifestyle and where the phone will be located in the home.
Visual Doorbell Alerts
There are a few different options available to “visually” notify residents of the arrival of visitors, and they include devices with screens that show who is at the door or to indicate that someone is present, signal lights that work with the doorbell, and more.
Vibrating Alarm Clocks
Exactly how it sounds, vibrating alarm clocks use vibration as well as loud audible sounds to wake up the user. A vibrating watch can also be worn instead of, or in addition to, the alarm clock; these watches use vibrations and visuals to wake up the user.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alert Systems
These multi-part systems or devices alert the user if smoke or CO is detected, usually via a strobe light and/or a visual display. For extra protection while sleeping, a bedshaker can be “easily” installed to receive vibrating alerts.
Other Technologies for Hearing Loss
Other popular devices for people with hearing loss include:
TV Listening Systems: The perfect solution for anyone who needs to turn up the volume in order to enjoy their favorite TV show.
Telephone Signalers: This special cell phone cradle lights up and flashes when there’s an incoming call or text, so there’s no more missed calls or messages.
Caption Phones: These phones translate spoken conversation into visual text and are often available for free to individuals with hearing loss with documentation from a professional such as an audiologist or medical doctor.
Smartphone Apps: There are all kinds of apps available for your mobile device that can help with many things including simply detecting hearing loss, amplifying sounds, and helping those with hearing loss communicate. Read our blog to learn more.
Consult with the Hearing Care Professionals at Kenwood Hearing Center
If still have questions or would like to speak with one of our hearing care professionals, contact us today and schedule an appointment at one of our convenient Ohio hearing center locations: Bowling Green, Toledo, or Wauseon.