Hearing loss can cause functional limitations that a person with normal hearing may otherwise take for granted, such as waking up to an alarm clock, hearing alerts (e.g., fire alarms), or using everyday devices, such as the television or telephone. Fortunately, there are many resources available to allow those with hearing loss to function independently and worry less about these barriers.

There are alarm clocks that utilize several different types of signals, from visual (flashing light), vibrotactile (vibrating component), or auditory (loud and audible). Some of these devices incorporate all three components in one device. With the addition of smartwatches, the vibrating feature can be used as an alarm that stays fixed on the wrist, which may be a great option for those that travel frequently and want to pack light.

What other assistive devices can I utilize in my home?

Television:

* Wireless accessories that are designed to stream the TV audio directly into hearing aids (manufacturer specific). Talk to your audiologist about these options.
* Wireless headphones that can be worn with or without hearing aids.
* Closed Captioning.
Telephone:
*Caption phones.
*Videophones (for those who utilize American Sign Language).

Safety:

* Doorbell signalers.
* Specialty smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide detectors.
* Phone signalers.
* Baby monitor alerts designed specifically for those with hearing loss.
* Weather alert radio used in conjunction with strobes, bed-shakers, etc.
* Hearing dog.

If you have questions about any of these assistive devices, consult your local audiologist for guidance.