About 1 in 6 adults over the age of 18 has some level of hearing loss. This can make simple, everyday activities like talking on the phone, watching TV or joining the dinner table conversation a challenge. If you or someone you know is straining to hear voices, the TV or phone conversations, listening devices like amplified phones, TV listening systems and personal sound amplifiers can be life-changing alternatives to wearing a hearing aid.
We’ve rounded up a few of our most popular products that can help overcome daily challenges and enhance your enjoyment of the people and activities in your life.
Amplified Phones
Talking on the phone can be extremely frustrating for people with hearing loss and their loved ones. Fortunately, there’s a wide selection of 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. Amplified phones have three levels of amplification — mild,
moderate and severe — based on the degree of hearing loss. You can also choose between a corded, cordless or hands-free model. For those with vision loss, there are amplified phones with bright visual ringers to signal incoming calls and other models with extra large, back-lit keypads and large LCD displays to make dialing easier.
Personal Sound Amplifiers
A personal sound amplifier is ideal for people who won’t wear a hearing aid or can’t afford one. Small and portable, a personal amplifier makes it easier to communicate, listen to TV shows and movies, and have conversations in noisy restaurants. You can carry your personal amplifier in a handbag or shirt pocket and pull it out in a challenging listening situation. It’s a great tool to filter out background noises, enhance speech and increase sound volume.
Wireless TV Headphones
A TV listening system lets users listen to their favorite TV show or music at any volume without disturbing others. It also amplifies voice pitch frequencies above other sounds, so words, whispers and accents are easy to understand. There are a variety of comfortable, lightweight headset styles to choose from, including over-the-ear headphones and under-the-chin “wishbone” receivers that are worn like a stethoscope. Opt for an infrared system for a wireless connection that allows users to listen to the TV from anywhere in the room.
Visual Doorbell Alerts
A wireless, battery-powered doorbell like the Strobe and Sound Signaler uses a flashing strobe signaler and an audible chime to let you know that someone is at the door. This simple-to-use device plugs into any wall outlet and has a range of up to 100 feet. To signal a doorbell chime or other important sound, like a phone, kitchen timer, or a baby crying, place the Flashing Lamp Signaler close to the sound you want to monitor and plug a lamp into the device. When it detects sound, the lamp will flash.
Vibrating Alarm Clocks
For people who can’t hear an alarm clock, vibrating alarms come with a wired or wireless vibrating bed shaker that slips under the pillow. The Bellman Alarm Clock Classic Vibrating Clock uses three methods to wake users with hearing loss: a powerful bedshaker, high-intensity LED lights and a built-in audible alarm that increases in sound volume up to 100dB. Need to awaken one or two sleepers on varied schedules? The reliable Sonic Boom SB300ss Alarm Clock with Bed Vibrator features a large 1.8″ bright green LED display, powerful 12V bed shaker and extra loud pulsating audio alarm.
Other Options for People with Hearing Loss
There are lots of other devices to help people with hearing loss which, like the products featured here, do not require a doctors prescription. Click these links for more of our favorites, and check out our online store for other helpful products to help you maintain your independence:
