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Hearing Loss
June 6, 2024
7min

Top Smoke Detector Alarms for Hearing Loss

Find out everything about top smoke detector alarms for hearing loss, their types, characteristics, different options and more. Click here to read all!

Author:
Molly Glass
Top Smoke Detector Alarms for Hearing Loss
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In an emergency, it’s vital to be informed. Read on for the best accessible smoke alarms on the market.

Smoke detectors alert residents to smoke and the possibility of fire nearby. These alarms are important to have in every residence, as they reduce the chance of death by a house fire by 55%, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Because  mainstream alarms use a loud high-frequency noise, they are not usable and designed for deaf and hard of hearing individuals. 

Types of Accessible Alarms

For the deaf and hard of hearing, there are different types of alarms to choose from depending on your needs. 

Low-frequency Smoke Alarms

For the hard of hearing, many alarms use a high-frequency noise that is out of their hearing range. A way around it is to use a low-frequency smoke detector. It is essential to test that it is audible to the user before installing it. Also, tests should be taken annually, as many forms of hearing loss are progressive. 

One low-frequency alarm with many positive reviews is the Kidde Smoke Detector with Safety Light for Hearing Impaired. Alerts are at 85 decibels and light up when the alert is deployed. Other features include:

  • Battery powered
  • 10-year warranty 
  • Hush button for false alarms
  • Easy to install
  • Smart version available with app notifications
  • $15.99-$50 range
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Strobe Light Alarms

For those who are severely or profoundly deaf, a strobe light would be preferable over an auditory alert. A brand widely used in the deaf community is First Alert BRK 7020BSL Hardwired Hearing Impaired Smoke Detector with LED Strobe Light. Some features include:

  • Powered by battery and wire
  • Different flash patterns for smoke or carbon monoxide
  • Strobe intensity of 177 candelas
  • Multiple units will flash in unison 
  • $113

Strobe Light + Vibrating Alarms

Another option is to use a transmitter with mainstream alarms. A transmitter picks up specific audio and then alerts the light flashers or under-bed vibrators. One brand is Lifetone HLAC151 Bedside Vibrating Fire Alarm and Clock, available from suppliers of specialized equipment such as Diglo (formerly Harris Communications). Some features of this device include:

  • Portable, easy to travel with
  • Compatible with T3 smoke detectors
  • Sound, voice, vibration, and LED alert options
  • Battery Operated
  • 2-year warranty
  • $239.95

Another version is the Sonic Alert HomeAware II Fire and CO Signaler with Bed Shaker. This device can detect mainstream audio alarm such as smoke or CO alerts, and either trigger your strobe light or bed shaker depending on settings. It also allows you to set up an alarm clock, or incoming caller ID. 

  • Easy to set up with smartphones
  • Includes a USB charger for phones
  • Can adjust sensitivity
  • Wi-fi connection allows you to send alerts to other people
  • Over 20 different alert options available
  • $259

Smart Alarms

A smart alarm may be a good choice if you are a heavy smartphone user. The most highly rated and popular one on the market is the Google Nest Protect, with thousands of five-star reviews. While it gives out a voice alert, it sends a smartphone notification simultaneously. Some features include:

  • Detects both slow and fast-burning fires
  • 10-year warranty 
  • Can disable alerts from phone
  • Doubles as a motion detector nightlight 
  • Detects carbon monoxide
  • $139 on Amazon

Obtaining Smoke Alarms

Most of these alarms can be purchased on mainstream stores or e-commerce websites such as Amazon, Best Buy, etc. Others may be more specialized and from a specific manufacturer. If finances are an obstacle to obtaining a detector, there is also an option to contact your state’s vocational rehabilitation center. Most centers can provide equipment to the deaf and hard of hearing at low cost or for free. 

Detection While Traveling

A person stretches while sitting on a hotel bed. 
A person stretches while sitting on a hotel bed. 

Staying at Hotels

The third title of the ADA requires hotels, motels, and other lodging facilities to make their buildings accessible to disabled people. When making a reservation, ask if they have a “Deaf kit.” This box of diverse equipment can be used in your room, such as a TTY, strobe smoke detector, and vibrating alarm clock. 

Cruise Ships

Many cruise lines now have dedicated rooms for the deaf and hard of hearing with preinstalled equipment such as accessible smoke detectors. If one of these rooms is unavailable, a room kit should be available when requested during booking. 

Conclusion

Whether you’re deaf or hard of hearing, many options are available to suit your specific needs. From low-frequency alarms to strobe and vibrating or smartphone alerts, you will find one for your home. Regardless of whether you are at home or traveling, prioritize safety and ensure you have accessible alert systems. Your life is worth it!

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Molly Glass

Molly, a Deaf mom of two CODAs, lives with her hearing partner of almost 14 years in the scenic Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia. Profoundly Deaf since 18 months old, she enjoys writing about the lived Deaf experiences and advocacy. In her free time she reads, and is very slowly working on authoring her first book.

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Nagish Acquires Sign.mt to Drive Research in AI and Sign Language. 
‍Read the announcement

Top Smoke Detector Alarms for Hearing Loss

Key Findings

  • Workplace Impact: 62% of Deaf and 66% of Hard-of-Hearing individuals report that communication barriers hinder career mobility.
  • Healthcare Challenges: 62% of Deaf and 66% of Hard-of-Hearing individuals experience communication barriers in healthcare settings, contributing to delays in treatment.
  • Concerns About Emergency Communications: 20% of Deaf and 24.3% Hard-of-Hearing users also expressed serious concerns that communication barriers would prohibit them from contacting healthcare personnel in an emergency situation.
  • Independence Boost: Assistive technology nearly doubled rates of independence, with 60% of Deaf users and 63% of Hard-of-Hearing users reporting increased autonomy.
  • Emotional Strain: 55% of Deaf users and 83% of Hard-of-Hearing users reported emotional distress due to communication frustrations.
  • Social and Professional Opportunities: 46% of Deaf and 32.9% of Hard-of-Hearing users saw improved social and career prospects thanks to assistive technologies.

Empowering the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Through Technology: A New Era of Communication and Independence

At Nagish, we’ve seen firsthand just how much communication shapes daily life for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing communities. Our recent survey highlights the significant barriers they face in the workplace, healthcare settings, and in their social lives. But it also sheds light on a powerful solution: assistive technology. The results of this survey reinforce our commitment to empowering these communities and remind us why our mission matters: with access to the right tools, independence grows, opportunities expand, and well-being improves.

We collected data through a comprehensive survey involving over 300 individuals who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing and currently use hearing assistive technology. The survey included 179 Deaf and 140 Hard-of-Hearing participants, with data collected in an inclusive and accessible manner to ensure that everyone could participate and share their experiences without barriers.Communication Barriers in the Workplace: Limiting Career Mobility

Communication challenges in the workplace remain one of the most significant hurdles for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals, preventing them from fully realizing their career potential. Assistive technology offers a solution by removing these barriers and expanding access to a broader range of job opportunities and career growth.

Download the PDF Report

A majority of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing participants reported that communication barriers affected their career decisions, making it harder to pursue job opportunities or advance in their careers.

Deaf Participants

Hard-of-Hearing participants

65% of Deaf users rely on assistance from hearing individuals at least once a week to communicate effectively, which can limit their ability to fully engage in dynamic work environments.

Communication Barriers in Healthcare: A Matter of Public Safety
Communication challenges are not just a workplace issue — they extend into healthcare settings, where they can directly impact individuals’ health outcomes. Accessible communication tools are essential for ensuring that Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals can receive timely and accurate medical care, especially in emergency situations

Many Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users face communication barriers in healthcare settings, which can lead to missed appointments, misunderstandings about medical treatments, and delayed care.

Deaf users:

62%

Hard of Hearing users:

66%

Some Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users have concerns about reaching healthcare professionals in emergencies, highlighting serious public safety risks.

Deaf users

Hard-of-Hearing users

Empowering Independence Through Assistive Technology
One of the most encouraging findings from our survey is just how much independence is boosted with assistive technology. This improvement in independence is not just about doing things on their own; it’s about having the confidence and ability to engage fully in both professional and personal settings.

Assistive technology has significantly increased the independence of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users in managing daily tasks, showing clear improvements after adoption.

Deaf users

Hard-of-Hearing users

Expanding Social and Professional Opportunities
Beyond independence, assistive technology creates connection.By removing communication barriers that keep people from joining in socially or professionallyassistive technology allows users to engage more deeply in social activities and pursue career opportunities that were previously out of reach.

Assistive technology has helped Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users expand their social networks and professional opportunities, enabling new connections and career growth.

Emotional and Psychological Impact: The Hidden Toll of Communication Barriers
People often overlook the emotional and psychological toll of communication , but they can have a profound impact on the mental well-being of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals. Assistive technology can help alleviate this emotional strain, empowering users to communicate more effectively and reducing the anxiety associated with relying on others for basic communication.

A significant number of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users experience frustration and anxiety when communicating with family and friends, leading to isolation and stress.

Deaf users

Hard-of-Hearing users

Why This Matters: A Call for Widespread Adoption of Assistive Technologies
The findings from our survey are clear: communication barriers continue to limit the lives of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals in many areas, from the workplace to healthcare to their social lives. What’s also clear to us is that the question isn’t whether assistive technology helps—it’s how quickly we can make this powerful solution universally available.. By making these tools more accessible, we can open up new opportunities for individuals to thrive in their careers, maintain better health, and lead more independent lives.
At Nagish, we are committed to advocating for the integration of assistive technologies in all aspects of life. Whether it’s in healthcare, the workplace, or social settings, these technologies have the potential to create a more inclusive society where Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals can live fully empowered lives. 
Our hope is that these findings inspire not just awareness, but action. We hope this survey creates awareness and action in promoting accessibility and inclusion for these communities. Together, we can create a world where everyone, regardless of their hearing abilities, has equal access to opportunities and services.