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Bill Gates once said: “We’re changing the world with technology”. Of course, he’s right. Technology has fundamentally changed how we interact with the world. Whether it’s laptops and smartphones or algorithms and AI, it’s amazing to witness the lightning speed at which technology evolves to help improve our connectivity, safety and daily experiences. The same can be said about technology for hearing impaired people.
We know that the world of technology can change quickly and often feels overwhelming and difficult to navigate. So, we put together a guide to the top 5 technologies that can improve the quality of everyday life for someone who is hearing impaired.
Smart Doorbell
This technology is the first one a visitor will use upon arriving at your home, and it also happens to be one of the few home appliances that is solely sound-based. For someone with hearing loss, a sound-based doorbell is less than ideal. This is why switching it out for a smart doorbell can be a game-changer. These smart doorbells can be programmed to cause the lights in your home to flash instead of using sound, to alert you to the fact that someone is at your front door. They can also be programmed to send an alert to your cell phone, or even directly to your hearing aid (if it can be connected to the internet). Some smart doorbells even come with video feeds that allow you to communicate with your visitor or monitor your home.
Smart Alarms
In the event of a fire, break-in, or some other home disaster, it’s imperative to have an alarm system installed that’s effective for a hearing-impaired person. Fortunately, there are smart alarm systems that are made for the hard of hearing:
- Bed Shakers: If there’s a potential fire or carbon monoxide leak in your home, but you’re fast asleep, a sound-based alarm may not wake you up. That’s where a bed shaker alarm can help! This alarm will vigorously shake your bed if your smoke or carbon monoxide detector goes off. There are also bed-vibrating fire alarms that have a component that goes under your pillow or mattress, that can also be used to shake you awake.
- Flashing lights: Similar to the smart doorbell options, there are also alarms that have built-in strobe lights that will flash to alert you.
- Phone or Hearing Aid Alerts: In the event of a break-in there are security systems that – in addition to contacting the police – will also send an alert to your phone, or even your hearing aid.
Bluetooth™ Hearing Aids
Hearing aid technology has come a long way in recent years! Many audiologists recommend using Bluetooth™ -enabled hearing aids because they can easily connect with your smartphone, as well as some of the other technologies we’ve discussed here. Some of these models include features such as the ability to listen to music and audiobooks. You can even locate a lost hearing aid on a map using your smartphone! There are also models that allow your hearing care professional to remotely connect with your hearing aid so they can provide real-time adjustments.
SmartTVs
Many TVs and stereos on the market these days are considered “smart,” and included in their robust capabilities is Bluetooth™ compatibility. As we mentioned above, this means that if you are using Bluetooth™ -enabled hearing aids, you can connect directly to your tv or stereo to hear the audio. In a way, your hearing aids act almost like headphones, cutting out background noise and poor speaker quality. Closed captioning is also another great tool to use to see what is being said on the TV.
Captioned Phone Services
The ability to communicate clearly and effectively is a basic human need that can have a huge impact on your health. Similar to captioned television, captioned phone services allow you to actually see the words your callers say, making it easy to stay connected to friends and loved ones. Our ClearCaptions service is available at no cost to qualified and registered users. Now you’ll never have to worry about missing another word on your calls!
While technology may be evolving at rapid speed, these incredible advances can have a profound effect on the quality of your everyday life. Whether it’s to keep you safe, alerted or connected, these technologies for hearing impaired people can be game changers. Is there a technology that has had a positive impact on your life?
